26.55°C Vancouver

Oct 7, 2024 8:06 PM - The Canadian Press

Nuremberg and Nazi comparisons to COVID-19 measures 'unacceptable': Rustad

Share On
nuremberg-and-nazi-comparisons-to-covid-19-measures-unacceptable-rustad
The Conservative leader says in a statement on the social media platform X that he "misunderstood the question" about whether he supported "Nuremberg 2.0."(Photo: The Canadian Press)

British Columbia's Conservative leader says comparing the Nuremberg trials or Nazi Germany to public health measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic is unacceptable and "deeply disrespectful to the memory of those who suffered" in the Holocaust.

That's after video surfaced of Rustad saying his party would "certainly be participating with other jurisdictions" after being asked at an online meeting in July about where he stood on "Nuremberg 2.0," which is the idea that people behind public health measures during the pandemic should be put on trial.

Rustad now says he wants to "clarify" his comments made during a conversation with members of the BC Public Service Employees for Freedom group.

The Conservative leader says in a statement on the social media platform X that he "misunderstood the question" about whether he supported "Nuremberg 2.0."

He says it's a "distortion of history" to compare pandemic public health measures with Nazi Germany or the Nuremberg trials, which sought accountability for the Holocaust.

The issue is the latest in a series of unscripted moments on the B.C. Election campaign trail as Rustad, NDP Leader David Eby and Green Leader Sonia Furstenau get ready to square off in a debate on Tuesday.

They have also included a sign erected outside Vancouver billionaire Chip Wilson's home last week, calling the NDP "communist."

Photos on social media show the sign and the gates to Wilson's $81 million home vandalized with crude graffiti about the Lululemon founder.

Vancouver Police say they're investigating the incident after receiving a report.

On Monday in Maple Ridge, B.C., Eby described education plans including a mental health counsellor in every school and an educational assistant for all classrooms from kindergarten to year three.

He also said there would be expanded on-site school child care.

Greens Leader Sonia Furstenau in Victoria said the party would support what she called a successful model of transitional housing that is employed in Duncan on Vancouver Island.

She says "the Village" model, which sees people housed in small individual housing units, offers "practical solutions for the homelessness crisis."

Both Eby and Rustad had been in B.C.'s Okanagan over the weekend, with Eby promising to entice more doctors, nurses and health professionals to rural communities with a loan forgiveness program and Rustad in Kelowna pledging to bring an end to tent encampments.

Tuesday's debate will be the only televised debate of the campaign before voting day on Oct. 19.

As election day approaches, advance voting will also be available Oct. 10 to 13 and Oct. 15 to 16.

Latest news

leblanc-set-to-meet-lutnick-in-washington-after-ottawa-drops-some-tariffs
CanadaAug 25, 2025

LeBlanc set to meet Lutnick in Washington after Ottawa drops some tariffs

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is set to meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington this week after Ottawa announced it would be lifting some retaliatory tariffs. LeBlanc's office says he will travel to the United States capital on Tuesday. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced last Friday that Canada will drop some retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products to match American tariff exemptions for goods covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on trade, called CUSMA. Canada's counter-tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles will remain. LeBlanc has sai
BCAug 25, 2025

North Vancouver RCMP is investigating an early morning shooting at a residence in North Vancouver

On August 24, 2025, police were alerted by a homeowner in the 900 block of Tollcross Road who reported hearing a loud bang and subsequently discovering bullet holes. North Vancouver RCMP frontline officers attended the scene and located evidence indicating that shots had been fired at the residence. Witnesses reported hearing shots fired at approximately 4:00 a.m. The residence was occupied at the time, fortunately, no one was injured.“This is an unsettling incident that understandably causes concern in the community,” said Corporal Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vanc
tall-timber-building-boosts-student-housing-at-bcits-burnaby-campus
BCAug 25, 2025

Tall Timber building boosts student housing at BCIT’s Burnaby campus

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has officially opened its new Tall Timber student housing residence at the Burnaby campus, expanding affordable on-campus housing options for students. “We’re excited to bring more affordable student housing to BCIT’s Burnaby campus for the first time in 40 years,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “This new facility will offer students more housing options steps away from their classes, reduce commute times and ease pressure on the local rental market. With better access to housing, student
BCAug 25, 2025

Langley RCMP: Catalytic converter thefts on the rise

The Langley RCMP is advising the public of a noticeable increase in catalytic converter thefts across the community in recent weeks. Catalytic converters are targeted because of the precious metals they contain and replacing a stolen one can be costly for vehicle owners. Thieves often target vehicles parked in driveways, unsecured lots, and on quiet streets, usually during the night or early morning hours, said Sergeant Zynal Sharoom of the Langley RCMP. Larger vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are especially vulnerable due to their higher ground clearance. What you can do to prot
proposed-changes-will-make-it-easier-for-families-to-navigate-legal-system
BCAug 25, 2025

Proposed changes will make it easier for families to navigate legal system

The Province is intending to propose changes to the Family Law Act (FLA) to give more support to families and people experiencing family violence and to offer more parenting arrangements that put children’s needs first. The proposed changes come from a policy paper developed during Phase 2 of the multi-year review of the Family Law Act. The FLA is the main law that deals with family violence, guardianship, parenting duties, support payments and dividing property after a separation. The review looks at how the law can better reflect today’s society and recent court decisions. “This is the

Related News