Conservative leader dodges questions on petition that likens COVID vaccine to ‘human experimentation’

OTTAWA – The federal Conservative leader is facing questions about one of his MPs, who has sponsored a petition that likens a COVID-19 vaccine to “human experimentation.”

Leader Erin O’Toole has not condemned MP Derek Sloan, who has signed a petition that questions the science and safety of these immunizations.

“More important than petitions sent in from Canadians across the country is a plan,” he said, trying to place blame on the federal government. “You wonder why Canadians are worried? It’s the secrecy and incompetence of the Trudeau government.”

Other parties have slammed Sloan, claiming he is helping promote misinformation about vaccines.

The Ontario MP has defended his decision to sponsor the petition, saying “I believe these people seem to have concerns and I have no problem allowing them to raise those through a petition in the House of Commons.”

In a statement released Wednesday, O’Toole did not directly address Sloan’s endorsement of the petition.

“No vaccine is mandatory in Canada, however vaccines are important public health tools. A COVID-19 vaccine will be extremely important in the fight against the virus,” the Conservative leader said.

“The federal government makes recommendations for vaccine use in Canada. The Trudeau government owes it to Canadians to provide clear information about the safety and effectiveness of each vaccine. It will be up to the provinces to decide if there will be any restrictions associated with not getting a vaccine, but they should be making that clear to Canadians now so they can make informed choices for themselves and their families.”

Vaccinations of any kind are not mandatory in Canada.

In addition to claiming the COVID-19 vaccine is “effectively human experimentation,” the petition also says the development of a vaccine to fight the virus is “being rushed,” and that “Standard, prudent safety protocols, such as prior animal testing, are being waved.”

The petition calls for the government to “preserve and protect our ethical, legal, and moral right to informed consent,” “legally ensure COVID-19 vaccines are voluntary,” and “require that vaccine safety studies comply with standards equal to or exceeding other pharmaceutical products,” among other asks.

Health Canada is currently in the process of reviewing four vaccine candidates for safety and effectiveness.

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