Conservatives call for suspension of COVID facilities after alleged sexual assault at Trudeau airport

The Conservative Party has called for the suspension of COVID facilities after a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted at a detention facility for returning travellers.

The woman, who was identified only as "Sarah," left her quarantine hotel when she bumped into 29-year-old Robert Shakory, who then allegedly sexually assaulted her.

"We are deeply angered to hear reports of sexual violence are happening during federally mandated quarantines by those supposed to be protecting public health. The federal government has a duty to protect everyone in their quarantine facilities and those who are trying to follow federal regulations while at home. The Liberal government needs to tell Canadians what action they are taking to fix this public safety and security concern," wrote the opposition in a statement released Wednesday evening.

Sarah had also allegedly had provided a negative test after returning from her trip, though the CBSA rejected it, forcing her into the facility or otherwise facing a fine.

Shakory, originally of Windsor, Ontario, was arrested and charged by local police.

"The responsibility for the conduct of those overseeing the facilities and enforcing the rules lies with the Trudeau Liberals. It is unthinkable that the federal government is mandating women into unsafe isolation scenarios that leave them vulnerable without the assurances they need to feel protected.

"The very least that Canadians can expect is to be safe, particularly in the presence of federal representatives and while in federal facilities. These violations are unconscionable," wrote MPs Michelle Rempel Garner, Conservative Shadow Minister for Health, Shannon Stubbs, Conservative Shadow Minister for Public Safety, Jag Sahota, Conservative Shadow Minister for the Status of Women, and Richard Martel, Conservative Quebec Political Lieutenant.

"The Liberal government must take action now. We call for the Liberals to suspend the hotel quarantine requirement until they have put measures in place to ensure the safety of Canadians and institute a system for verifying at-home quarantine that doesn’t involve security agents who have not been properly vetted. During this necessary pause, the federal government should continue with on-arrival testing and the 14-day at-home quarantine for all international travelers to protect the public health of Canadians."