Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is speaking out against the stories about MPs and MPPs across Canada who have been caught or have now admitted to traveling out of the country over the December holiday period.
In Ontario, Finance Minister Rod Phillips has faced the most scrutiny as he jetted off for a sunny Caribbean vacation on Dec. 13, which started a political storm that engulfed him when he returned home to Ontario.
Phillips resigned as the province's finance minister on Dec. 31, hours after returning from a two-week trip in St. Barts.
Phillips, who will remain a member of the provincial legislature, called the decision a "significant error in judgment."
See related: A list of politicians and officials who traveled aboard despite advice to stay home
Fedeli, who says he has not even left the province since the start of the pandemic, responded.
He believes those actions are totally irresponsible.
"As Premier Ford has said, at a time when the people of Ontario have sacrificed so much, our government will continue to take seriously our obligation to hold ourselves to a higher standard," Fedeli said in his statement to BayToday.
"Our constituents expect nothing less from us.
"Now and in the months ahead, our government will remain focused on supporting Ontario families, workers and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we chart our path to long-term economic recovery.
"We want to once again thank every person in Ontario for their ongoing resolve in the face of this terrible global pandemic. By continuing to work together and demonstrating the best of the Ontario Spirit, we can emerge from this stronger than ever before."
BayToday reached out to Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota's office for a reaction but according to his communications department, Rota prefers not to comment on the issue. However, an emailed statement said he had not vacationed out of the country during the pandemic.
With files from the Canadian Press
