Linda Hasenfratz. File photo courtesy of mediarelations.uwo.caLinda Hasenfratz. File photo courtesy of mediarelations.uwo.ca
London

Western University chancellor leaves vaccine task force after travelling abroad

Western University Chancellor Linda Hasenfratz has stepped down from Ontario's COVID-19 vaccination distribution task force after it came to light she travelled abroad over the holidays.

Hasenfratz, who is also the CEO of Guelph-based auto parts manufacturer Linamar, handed in her resignation on Tuesday.

"Premier Ford accepted the resignation of Linda Hasenfratz as a member of Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Task Force after it was brought to his attention that she travelled outside the country in December,” read a statement issued by Premier Doug Ford’s office.

A Globe and Mail report stated that Hasenfratz travelled to Barbados last month, despite repeated calls for Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel outside of the country due to COVID-19.

While Hasenfratz did not confirm where she travelled, she did reassure in a statement that she followed all pandemic protocols and remains in quarantine in accordance with public health guidelines. She added that she regrets her decision to travel and offered an apology to the premier, task force head retired Canadian Forces General Rick Hillier, and members of the task force.

Hasenfratz was named Western's 23rd Chancellor in 2019. She was one of nine people appointed to the vaccination task force in early December 2020. The provincial government has not indicated whether a new member will be placed on the task force to fill the newly vacant space.

Hasenfratz is the latest high-profile figure to resign or be ousted due to foreign travel during the pandemic.

Dr. Paul Woods was terminated as the CEO of the London Health Sciences Centre last week after it was revealed he travelled to the U.S. five times since March to see immediate family. The termination has sparked a $2.5 million wrongful dismissal lawsuit. Amy Walby handed in her resignation as LHSC board chair following allegations she was aware of Woods' international travel.

Rod Phillips, Ontario's former finance minister, stepped down from his post after it came to light he had travelled to St. Barts for a vacation last month.

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