OTTAWA — Soldiers on the front lines seem to be more at risk of contracting COVID-19. “I am concerned over the rising number of soldiers testing positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus,” said M.P. Cheryl Gallant. “Before the pandemic was declared back in March, I warned the Prime Minister. Now, with the event of the pandemic, the numbers show Canadians the heightened risk soldiers on the front lines are at.”
In a rare exchange this week during the extended lockdown of Parliament, the government representative provided no explanation as to why the number of infections among military personnel was now rising, or the steps being taken to protect soldiers, on the front lines from catching the virus. Since the government suspended Parliament, the National Defence Committee has not been permitted to meet.
“The military is reporting a steadily rising number of infected soldiers,” stated M.P. Gallant. “Canadian Armed Forces members testing positive for the coronavirus have gone from 5 cases one week, to 28 infected soldiers, to the most recent number confirmed by the government. As of May 26, there were 36 military personnel providing support in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities in Quebec and Ontario have tested positive for COVID-19.”
“Canadians expect our soldiers to be equipped with the latest in protective gear, with the proper training, and with what Canadians expect is medical-grade protective equipment. It would appear the training and equipment have not prevented 36 soldiers serving on the front line of the pandemic from contracting the respiratory illness. Our prayers are with each and every soldier to fully recover.”
In Operation Laser, Canadian soldiers have been deployed to LTC facilities to maintain staffing and help with infection control and infection prevention. They are at 25 LTC facilities in Quebec and five LTC facilities in Ontario. Those numbers of deployed soldiers fluctuate as circumstances dictate.
“I am pleased to recognize the nearly 1,700 soldiers, including those from one Canadian Field Hospital stationed at Garrison Petawawa, who are deployed on Operation Laser,” said M.P. Gallant. “To meet the unprecedented challenge caused by the pandemic, members of the Canadian Armed Forces have been supporting a request from civilian authorities in Quebec since April 20, and Ontario since April 28.”
According to M.P. Gallant, Canadians are asking important questions about what is happening amongst some of the most vulnerable people in our society. She said this includes the elderly who reside in LTC facilities and the people who care for them, including soldiers now deployed to these facilities.
“It’s time for this mock Parliament to end. I support the call of the Conservative Party to resume Parliament. My role on the Standing Committee on National Defence to question the government has never been more important,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.
