Heated Exchange In Legislature Over Measles Vaccines

The topic of measles vaccinations led to a heated exchange between the health minister and a Liberal MLA in the legislature.

During question period Thursday, Edmundston-Madawaska Centre MLA Jean-Claude D’Amours repeatedly asked Ted Flemming to confirm how many measles vaccines are available.

“The Chief Medical Officer [of Health] is saying New Brunswickers will have to be patient before having access to vaccine,” D’Amours said. “Pharmacists have stated that there is a shortage of vaccine.”

“You refuse to give us a clear answer. Either you don’t know what’s going on or you are hiding information from New Brunswickers and members of this house.”

On Tuesday — after two more cases of measles were confirmed in the Saint John area — health officials said their immediate focus is vaccination of vulnerable individuals potentially exposed to these cases and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Flemming said the province has access to vaccines under agreements with other provinces and the federal government.

He went on to say Public Health is acting “extremely well” in dealing with the regional measles outbreak.

“There is no place for politicians to micromanage experts because some chump wants to make political points,” Flemming said to D’Aaours. “It’s not proper, it is irresponsible.”

Flemming also accused D’Amours of fear-mongering and having a “petty political agenda.”

After question period, the speaker asked both MLAs to withdraw some of their “unproper” language and they agreed to do so.