Green candidate withdraws after comparing vaccine certificate to Holocaust

Although his name still appears on the ballot, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke Green Party candidate Micheal Lariviere withdrew his candidacy following inappropriate comments at an all candidates debate last week in Pembroke. 

Lariviere, a first time candidate, compared the issuing of vaccine passports to the forced tattooing of Jewish citizens during the Holocaust. 

Jodie Primeau, the NDP candidate, said the comments were inappropriate and the incident showed the need for parties and leaders to carefully vet candidates.

The Green Party's Riding Association issued a media release. It stated “It was recently brought to our attention that Green Party candidate Michael Lariviere made unacceptable comments at an all candidates’ debate last week. We deeply regret Mr. La Riviere’s offensive statements and apologize sincerely for the distress his words have caused. Mr. Lariviere has now withdrawn his candidacy.”

Some individuals addressed the issue on the Green Party's website. A spokesperson for the RNP Green Party responded by stating, “LaRiviere made offensive and untrue comments during the campaign that bordered on hate speech. He has been removed as the Green Party candidate. The RNP Green Party apologizes for any distress his words may have caused. Such language and actions will not be tolerated in the Green Party of Canada.”