A Liberal MP is taking shots at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his handling of both the pandemic and the ongoing trucker protests across the country and in Ottawa..Louis-Hébert, Que. MP Joel Lightbound spoke to the press on Parliament Hill Tuesday morning while the federal cabinet met. 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 current 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 has since stepped down as Quebec caucus chair..Protesters have been calling on the government to end all COVID-19 mandates and have now indicated they are looking to unseat Trudeau’s Liberal government and hope to meet with the governor-general..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdion@westernstandardonline.com
