May 6th, 2021

Don’t listen to Prabmeet Sarkaria – get your vaccine

QUEEN’S PARK — Brampton’s NDP MPPs are encouraging Bramptonians to continue to do their part by getting the vaccine, and are asking PC MPP Prabmeet Sarkaria to retract comments he made Thursday stoking vaccine hesitancy.

“When it comes to vaccines, all community leaders — including MPPs — have a responsibility to do the right thing, communicate only true information, and encourage everyone to get their vaccine as soon as possible. Doing that will save Brampton families from the horrors of COVID-19,” said NDP Deputy Leader Sara Singh (Brampton Centre).

Prabmeet Sarkaria held a news conference Thursday in Toronto where he undermined the efficacy of vaccines. The author of the study Mr. Sarkaria incorrectly referenced called such conclusions “an inaccurate over-interpretation”. The science is clear. All vaccines approved by federal health authorities are effective in the fight against COVID-19.

“Brampton families are doing the right thing by finding and getting the shot to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community,” said Gurratan Singh (Brampton East). “The Ford government has already neglected Brampton and made it incredibly difficult for people in our community to get vaccinated. We don’t need Prabmeet Sarkaria convincing people not to bother.”

NDP MPP Kevin Yarde (Brampton North) said Ontario should do more – not less – to combat vaccine hesitancy and vaccine shopping.

“Get your shot as soon as you can, and the first one that’s available to you,” said Yarde. “We trust the experts. We trust the science. Please, keep doing what you’re doing Brampton — we’re going to get through this, together.”