Conservative MP calls for all of Ontario to enter 'green zone' lockdown measures

Conservative MP for Flamborough-Glanbrook David Sweet said on Wednesday that all of Ontario should be moved to the lowest tier of COVID restrictions.

"Lockdowns by their nature are a threat to mental health. The animal kingdom is limited to hunting, eating, bathing and search for shelter. That's not so with us human beings where a large part of what makes us human our birthdays, christenings, funerals, anniversaries, graduations, bar mitzvahs, church, synagogue, mosque services, going out for dinner on Valentine's Day, and fast approaching Easter and Passover," said Sweet at Queen's Park.

Sweet was joined by Conservative MPP for York Centre Roman Baber, who was kicked out of the Ontario Conservatives for voicing similar concerns and criticisms of the Ford lockdown.

Sweet, who is not seeking reelection, said that the lockdowns have caused havok for small businesses across the province.

"Much of this debt was mandated by governments who wanted PPE, sanitization, Plexiglas barriers and the list goes on. It was assumed by businesses that these expenditures came with the promise that they could operate with these safety protocols in place. If they feel betrayed. I could surely sympathize with them," said Sweet, according to CTV News.

In a statement, Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole said that jumping the gun on lockdowns could hurt the health of Canadians.

"My view and the view of the CPC is that we respect the work being done by our premiers and health officials throughout this crisis. They are trying to put the health of Canadians first. We all want the crisis to pass as quickly as possible and are frustrated by the slow pace of vaccine deployment in Canada. Our focus will remain on that and the need to plan for an economic recovery in all sectors and all parts of this country," said O'Toole.