Scheer refuses questions on failing to wear mask at Pearson Airport
Posted July 8, 2020 11:43 am.
Last Updated July 8, 2020 11:45 am.
OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer did not answer questions and was on the defensive when pressed by reporters Wednesday about why he was seen not wearing a mandatory mask at Toronto’s Pearson Airport the day before.
“I don’t have anything to add based on the story yesterday (Tuesday),” he said. “It was self-explanatory.”
A pair of photographs surfaced on social media Tuesday showing him talking to Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister and neither wore a mask.
Toronto’s Pearson airport currently has a policy that masks must be worn at all times, with limited exceptions that include being at a food or beverage service location.
A statement from Scheer’s office claims he took off his mask to make a phone call and the photo must have been taken before he put it back on.
The premier issued a statement admitting he made a mistake when he lifted his mask to join some friends in conversation and says he won’t do it again. He apologized and vowed to do better.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth May with the Green Party, doesn’t think Scheer is taking the pandemic seriously.
“So Mr. Scheer not wearing a mask in the Pearson Airport is part of a piece. From beginning to end, this man does not seem to understand that we are in a public health crisis and he is not helping,” she says.
In April, Scheer was criticized for bringing his family on a government flight back to Ottawa for a House of Commons sitting, reducing the ability for the other two MPs on board to keep a distance from the Scheers.
