Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he shares the frustrations of Canadians with those who’ve chosen to travel abroad over the holiday season.
Trudeau says changes are coming to a new federal benefit that was intended to provide paid sick leave to those forced into quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure.
Speaking Tuesday for the first time since reports that up to a dozen politicians of all stripes had vacationed abroad in sunny climes despite public health advice, Trudeau noted that “so many Canadians” have sacrificed and followed the rules — but “folks who should have known better” did not, including two members of his Liberal caucus.
Trudeau said it was “unfortunate to see a number of politicians not take their own advice,” and that he was “disappointed” in the two Liberal MPs, who have lost their parliamentary and committee responsibilities as a result.
Trudeau also said he shares Canadians’ “impatience” at the slow rollout of vaccinations in many provinces, saying he will raise it with premiers on a call this week.
“Now is the time with the new year upon us to really get … these vaccines out to Canadians,” he said outside Rideau Cottage.
Trudeau added however that he believes the country is still on track to have enough vaccines to inoculate every Canadian who wants one by September.
And he said it’s safer for people to remain in Canada than to travel south across the border to get a vaccine sooner.
Trudeau said his government will close a loophole that allows returnees required to quarantine to receive a federal sick leave benefit if they miss work as a result.
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