Fedeli says expelled MPP harming grieving families with 'fabricated claims' on vaccines
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli has denounced a former colleague for traumatizing a local family by "fabricating claims" a family member died because of the COVID-19 vaccine.
As reported by CTV News, Randy Hillier, who represents the eastern Ontario riding of Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, has frequently posted COVID-19 misinformation and conspiracy theories throughout the pandemic.
Recently he posted several photos of people who had died, suggesting without evidence that they had died due to COVID-19 vaccination.
Fedeli said Hillier is causing pain to families to "advance his own agenda."
“Many in the community of Nipissing have expressed concern about Mr. Hillier using a local death to advance his anti-vaccine agenda," Fedeli said in a statement released by his office.
“Let me be clear, there is no place in Ontario for an elected official to fabricate claims about someone who has passed away to advance their own agenda … Not only are Mr. Hillier’s actions deceitful and disgusting, they are also deeply hurtful to the families who have lost loved ones."
On Thursday, Ontario's legislature unanimously called on Hillier to apologize for "a string of disreputable conduct" in the context of COVID-19. Hillier, who was kicked out of the Progressive Conservative caucus before the pandemic, has called on police to investigate the deaths.
Family members of some of those people told various media outlets that they were angered by the post, and denied Hillier's allegations.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Hillier has forgotten the real impact his lies have on those who are already grieving the loss of a family member," Fedeli said.
"Families should not have to deal with the additional burden of Mr. Hillier’s actions. He should respect the families, offer a full apology, and remove the posts in question.
“Getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19 and the Delta variant. Our government will continue to support families and communities as we continue our last mile push to increase vaccination rates and keep Ontario safe.”
The motion passed in the Ontario legislature condemns Hillier’s behaviour and calls upon him to "apologize and desist from further similar conduct."
"Mr. Hillier’s decision to use the photograph and name of a deceased woman on social media, falsely claiming that her death was caused by the COVID-19 vaccine and his further refusal to remove this content continues to be extremely hurtful to the affected family and is unacceptable from any person let alone an elected Member of Provincial Parliament," the statement from the legislature said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.