A new portfolio for a local MP.
Conservative leader Erin O’Toole unveiled his shadow cabinet this morning, naming Lambton-Kent-Middlesex rep Lianne Rood as the Shadow Minister for Rural Economic Development & Rural Broadband Strategy.
In the last session of Parliament, Rood held the position of Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food.
One MP who didn’t make today’s list is Sarnia-Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu. The party’s former Shadow Minister for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Gladu was criticized by O’Toole yesterday for making what he calls unhelpful comments about COVID vaccines.
Gladu issued a statement this morning, apologizing for her remarks.
“Upon reflection, I recognize how dangerous it is to share misinformation about the severity of COVID-19 and the safety and efficacy of vaccines, I retract these comments in full,” the statement reads. “Vaccines are a safe and effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent serious illness. I encourage every Canadian, who is able, to get vaccinated. When it comes to the safety and efficacy of vaccines, it should be physicians and public health experts to advise Canadians, not politicians.”
More to come.