Tory MP apologizes for sharing ‘misinformation’ about COVID-19 and vaccines

Marilyn Gladu said she recognizes how 'dangerous' it is to 'share misinformation' about COVID-19 and vaccines, just one day after O'Toole said her comments were 'not appropriate.'

Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu has apologized for comments she made about vaccines and COVID-19, just one day after leader Erin O’Toole said her statements were “not appropriate.”

During an interview with CTV’s Question Period, Gladu likened COVID-19 to polio — but claimed that the coronavirus doesn’t pose the same “frequency of risk” in terms of deaths or disabilities.

Nearly 30,000 Canadians have died from COVID-19 to date, and more than 1.74 million have been infected.

“I would like to apologize for my inappropriate comments about COVID-19 vaccines during a recent CTV interview,” Gladu said in a Tuesday morning statement.

“Upon reflection, I recognize how dangerous it is to share misinformation about the severity of COVID-19 and the safety and efficacy of vaccines. I retract these comments in full.”

Gladu went on to say that she apologizes “unreservedly” to Canadians, as well as to her fellow Conservatives, for the “distraction” her comments “have created.”

“Vaccines are a safe and effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent serious illness. I encourage every Canadian, who is able, to get vaccinated,” Gladu said.

“When it comes to the safety and efficacy of vaccines, it should be physicians and public health experts who advise Canadians, not politicians.”