Trudeau’s Vaccination Claims Resurface

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently stated in a video that went viral on social media that the government did not mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for Canadians.

During a forum at the University of Ottawa on April 24, 2023, while speaking alongside German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Trudeau mentioned that the government relied on “incentives” and “protections” to promote vaccination. This clip reemerged amidst various discussions surrounding vaccination during his time in office.

“As we navigate the greatest public health crisis this country has faced in 100 years since the Spanish flu, my responsibility has been to keep as many Canadians alive as possible,” Trudeau remarked. He added that scientists and medical professionals worldwide agreed that vaccination was crucial in overcoming the pandemic.

“So I am not going to force anyone to get vaccinated, but I am determined to make sure that all the incentives and all the protections are there to encourage Canadians to get vaccinated,” he continued. “And that’s exactly what they did. We vaccinated at the highest levels of any country, and that’s why we had a pandemic that was less deadly than most other countries.”

Back in October 2021, Trudeau mandated that federal government workers, including those in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, needed to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or face consequences, such as losing pay. He also extended vaccination requirements to federally regulated transportation sectors and restricted travel for unvaccinated individuals.

In August 2021, Trudeau addressed unvaccinated individuals during an electoral event, asserting, “If you don’t want to get vaccinated, that’s your choice, but don’t think you can get on a plane or a train…We need to put people first, and we always have.”

There have been reported concerns regarding the mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, particularly linked to cases of myocarditis in younger males.

Additionally, Trudeau faced backlash for his handling of the Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa, led by truck drivers opposing mandatory vaccinations in February 2022. He invoked emergency legislation to disperse the protests, and recently, the Federal Court of Appeal deemed his actions “irrational.”

In a personal note, Trudeau’s relationship with singer Katy Perry began shortly after her split from actor Orlando Bloom, coinciding with Trudeau’s separation from his spouse, Sophie, in 2023.