OTTAWA, ON – The Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner, Shadow Minister for Health, and Pierre Paul-Hus, Shadow Minister for Public Services and Procurement, issued the following statement following reports that members of the group advising the Trudeau government on COVID-19 vaccine procurement have real or perceived conflicts of interest, including ongoing contract bids:

“Canadians’ health needs to drive vaccine decisions, not the bottom-line of pharmaceutical companies. It is extremely disturbing to see reports that members of Justin Trudeau’s vaccine task force stand to make money off of the outcome of procurement decisions. It is blatantly obvious how this could skew decision-making.

“Under the Trudeau Liberals, Canada has been behind the curve on vaccine procurement relative to our allies, and there is already concern that we will not be receiving doses as soon as other countries. A vaccine is crucial to Canadians’ getting their lives back. To find out that the Liberals are once again taking advantage of the pandemic to help their friends is a slap in the face to the millions of Canadians who are struggling.

“Not only should the Trudeau Liberals disclose any conflicts of interest that their COVID-19 vaccine task force has, the Trudeau government also needs to be transparent about the number of doses we have secured, the vaccine delivery schedule, and their plan to deliver the vaccine across the country. Canadians don’t want to live through another Liberal scandal. Lives are at stak

“Canada’s Conservatives will continue to press for these answers and demand to see a plan. Canadians want to know when they will get their lives back.”

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For more information:
Joël Bernard
Office of Pierre Paul-Hus, M.P.
Charlesbourg – Haute-Saint-Charles
pierre.paul-hus.A1@parl.gc.ca<mailto:pierre.paul-hus.A2@parl.gc.ca>
613-222-5613