MP Thomas draws criticism over vaccination comments
By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on December 23, 2021.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com Lethbridge MP Rachael Thomas says people who choose not to be vaccinated against COVID-19 shouldn’t be vilified for their decisions and deserve compassion instead.In a Facebook Live post on Dec. 16, Thomas also stated that more vaccinated people are being afflicted with COVID-19 and being admitted to hospitals than those who are unvaccinated.
The MP further stated she stands with Canadians who feel they have been bullied or mistreated because of their choice.
“When we look at the numbers right now, especially with the new variants, we see that the number of people who are coming down with COVID and even being admitted to the hospital, or actually the number of vaccinated, sorry, the number of fully vaccinated is actually greater than the number of those who are not vaccinated. And so it’s just not the case that these are the individuals that are holding us back. And further to that, I would ask that we seek to understand,” said Thomas in her post.
As of Dec. 19 Lethbridge had 84 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 18 people being in hospital and five in ICU.
Devon Hargreaves, who ran unsuccessfully for the Liberals against Thomas in the most recent federal election, told The Herald “I find it disheartening that in the largest health crisis in collective memory, an elected representative is spreading disinformation regarding vaccines.
“It is a disservice to the residents of Lethbridge. We need to encourage all who are able to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to reassure our neighbours who are hesitant that it is the single most effective means of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic at our disposal.”
In her Facebook post, Thomas said the vaccination issue has polarized people and those who have chosen not to get the jab have good reason for their choices.
“We used to take seriously people who struggled with anxiety or depression or great amounts of fear. We used to take seriously, you know, mental health. For whatever reason, though, when it comes to being vaccinated or not vaccinated, we’ve allowed it to polarize us and we’ve allowed it to, I would say, bring out the worst in humanity toward these individuals. We’re no longer willing to lean in and ask questions and understand. Instead, we just slap labels on these folks as if they are the ones to blame, Thomas stated in the video in which she also related stories of unvaccinated Canadians she has talked with.
Thomas said the unvaccinated are being “demonized. They are being portrayed as evil as if they are deserving of the contempt that we have for them, as if they should be the ones that are blamed or used as the scapegoat for the fact that life isn’t normal right now. In fact, it’s become so acceptable to use vile speech or vitriol language toward these individuals. So much so that actually political leaders, including the prime minister himself, have encouraged that, have exemplified that.”
According to Hargreaves, “the only way we come out of this is by coming out together and taking personal responsibility not only for ourselves but for our community at large.”
The MP added that unvaccinated Canadians aren’t trying to perpetuate the virus or make life more complicated.
“They have good reasons. They aren’t trying to be unreasonable. In fact, every single person that I have talked to has said Rachel, I’m more than happy to be tested on a daily basis to make sure I’m not carrying the virus, to make sure that I am not a public health risk.”
Harder stated that people willing to take daily rapid tests are safer than those who are vaccinated because “we know science shows that even if you’re fully vaccinated, you can still carry the virus and you can still transfer it to another individual.”
She said those willing to take rapid tests daily would be the safest people to go into police forces, schools, hospitals and long-term care homes.
She asked why daily rapid tests aren’t an acceptable option, saying that Canadians need to defend the Canadian values of freedom and personal choice.
She concluded by saying that “to those of you who have been written off or mistreated, pushed out, humiliated, vilified, bullied, or abused. It’s not OK. And I want to exercise my voice on your behalf. I’m standing with you.”
On his Twitter account where he provided a link to a Globe and Mail story about Thomas’ post, former mayor Chris Spearman wrote “our city will always struggle to attract doctors if our political leaders actively undermine good health policy and best practices.”
He added in a subsequent post that Thomas “needs to acknowledge her mistake and issue an apology and retraction.” Follow @albeebHerald on Twitter 4
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