Dec 2, 2021

Author of the article: Article content Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson issued an ultimatum to one of her cabinet ministers Wednesday — get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 15 or be removed from the Progressive Conservative caucus. Advertisement Article content We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or Manitoba premier says anyone not vaccinated against COVID to be removed from caucus Back to video “I very much believe in vaccines. They are working … and I think as leaders, we should lead by example,” she told reporters. Schuler, a veteran legislature member who ran for the Tory leadership 15 years ago, is the only provincial politician who has refused to say whether he is vaccinated. The other 56 members have said they are. Schuler has also been noticeably absent from places where vaccines are mandatory, such as the recent Tory leadership convention and the legislature chamber. He has participated in chamber debates virtually. Stefanson had earlier said she would impose a new rule on Dec. 15 that will require anyone entering the legislative building — politicians, staff, even public visitors — to show proof of vaccination. Advertisement Article content Wednesday was the first time she made it a condition of remaining in cabinet and caucus. She would not indicate whether Schuler has agreed to abide by the rule. “I’m not going to get into individual conversations that I have.” Schuler refused interview requests Wednesday, as he has for weeks on the topic, and issued only a brief statement. “No one in caucus is opposed to vaccinations, however, my personal health information is a private matter and I do not discuss my personal health information publicly,” the statement read. Families Minister Rochelle Squires said Stefanson’s vaccine requirement is “a great policy.” The Opposition New Democrats said the Tories should have required all caucus members to be vaccinated long ago. “It’s not much of an ultimatum, coming in December of a year when every Manitoban has been told to get vaccinated,” NDP Leader Wab Kinew said. “At this stage, if you didn’t already get the vaccine and you’re in the government’s cabinet, what are you doing?” Share this article in your social network Share this Story: Manitoba premier says anyone not vaccinated against COVID to be removed from caucus