The Canadian Press is reporting Ontario Liberals are asking the Ford government to veto the appointment of the new acting medical officer of health in Haldimand-Norfolk because he’s against COVID-19 lockdowns.
But Health Minister Christine Elliott’s office says Dr. Matt Strauss’s appointment didn’t need ministerial approval because he’s merely acting medical health officer, and the Haldimand-Norfolk Board of Health hasn’t sought to bring him on permanently.
Strauss has been been vocal on social media and has made comments criticizing some public health measures, including lockdowns aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19.
**A previous version of this article falsely stated that Dr. Strauss had referred to business owners who violate public health orders as “heroes.” We utterly and completely retract the substance of this statement and offer to Dr. Strauss an unqualified apology for any harm the publication of this statement may have caused him.