The Conservative MP representing Yorkton-Melville reacted to the federal government announcing some COVID-19 mandates are being lifted.

On Monday (June 20), the vaccine mandate for anyone accessing the House of Commons precinct, as well as the mandate for domestic and outbound international travelers will no longer be in effect.

“Quite honestly I was quite relieved for Canadians who have not been able to carry on their normal lives and travel as they should within our country.” Cathay Wagantall said.

“Obviously, I’m also relieved for myself that I can fly. I appreciate that they have done it but of course this is with one week left in the House (of Commons) so not quite the circumstances that I would have liked to have seen but regardless, hopefully this is going to be ongoing.”

“I think its time that the House of Commons function the way that it should moving forward, and we have the opportunity, and the right, to do our jobs the way we’re supposed to.” Wagantall added.

Earlier this month, Wagantall was required to leave the House of Commons precinct because she did not disclose her vaccination status.

She noted in a news conference at the time, outside of Parliament Hill, that she couldn’t fly or take a train due to the rules, adding it takes about 3-and-a-half days to drive from Ottawa to her riding.

At a news conference earlier this week, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc warned the policies could return if there is a resurgence of the virus in the fall.

The Canadian government had been under pressure from the opposition parties, as well as industry organizations, to relax some public health measures in response to delays and long lineups at airports.