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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.