Premier Andrew Furey says Opposition health critic David Brazil is “playing politics with health” in comparing the relatively sluggish rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Newfoundland and Labrador compared to the rest of the country.
Brazil pointed to an online vaccine tracker that uses provincial and federal sources to compare the number of vaccines distributed in Canada.
“The Furey Liberals and their federal counterparts are dragging their heels on vaccine distribution in Newfoundland and Labrador,” Brazil said in a news release Monday. “Not only does it put our vulnerable population more at risk of exposure, it will continue to harm our economic recovery.”
David Brazil — File photo
The Progressive Conservative MHA said the province was second last in Canada in percentage of doses administered, although the tracker put Newfoundland ahead of Manitoba, Nova Scotia and the territories by late Monday afternoon.
“Our population is older than the rest of the country, with higher risk of complications from the virus due to the prevalence of diabetes and other comorbidities throughout our population,” Brazil stated. “On top of that, our Indigenous populations remain at high risk to the virus. It’s unacceptable to be behind the pack on such a critical matter.”
Furey said Brazil’s comments are inaccurate and misleading.
Andrew Furey — File
For example, he said administration of the 2,400 doses of Moderna vaccine in Labrador only started Monday, primarily because Indigenous authorities faced language and cultural issues.
“Today was the first day that they felt they were able to, given the language translation issues and other cultural issues that we fully respect.”
He also said the province’s excellent epidemiology has given authorities the leeway to hold on to some vaccines to give as second doses — something more hard hit jurisdiction are not doing.
“If we’re going to compare apples to apples, we need to really compare apples to apples, and I don’t think it’s fair to compare us, for example, to P.E.I. that doesn’t have the significant challenges of geography that we do,” Furey said.
“We have to realize that it was science, not politics, that got us here in the first place.”
Peter Jackson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering health for The Telegram.
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
