And then there were two..More cracks appeared in the Liberal armour on Wednesday with MP Yves Robillard (Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, Que.) saying he agreed with Quebec colleague Joel Lightbound in criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s pandemic policies..“He (Lightbound) said exactly what a lot of us think,” said Robillard in an interview with The Hill Times..“I agree with everything that Lightbound said.”.Robillard said he talked to Lightbound and expressed his support..Lightbound conveyed his concerns over COVID-19 policies citing the mental health toll Canadians have endured along with facing the threat of job loss and isolation over their choice to remain unvaccinated..Lightbound — a Liberal MP since 2015 and chair of the House of Commons Industry and Technology Committee — said political leaders have been “unwilling to adapt” and is calling for a clear plan from the government on the lifting of health restrictions..“It is time that we stop dividing people, that we stop pitting people against each other,” said Lightbound..He said he agrees with the federal government that truckers should move along, but said doesn’t agree with Trudeau generalizing what protesters’ concerns are..“Some seem to forget that isolation is felt differently,” said Lightbound..“Not everyone can still earn money using their MacBook while at the cottage. Some are suffering in silence and feel like they’re not heard.”.When asked if he was concerned he may be kicked out of caucus for his viewpoint, Lightbound said he believes the Liberal party has been “historically open for decent and different opinions,” adding he is “hopeful and confident” the government will change course..“That is what I am advocating for. I want that debate to happen within the Liberal party.”.After making his position public Tuesday morning, Lightbound stepped down as Quebec caucus chair.
