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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.