Ford to speak with MPP Oosterhoff who affiliated with group that compares abortion to Holocaust

The judgment of a young conservative MPP is being called into question.

Niagara MPP Sam Oosterhoff has aligned himself with a group that has compared abortion to the holocaust.

Oosterhoff is scheduled to speak at an event titled “Gen Z: Challenging Abortion in Politics” on Wednesday evening.

“We need bold, strong leaders, and raising a generation to be just that is an ongoing mission for us,” says National Campus Life Network on Facebook.

“Come hear Sam speak on March 17 at 7 pm EST! DM University of Ottawa Students For Life to register.”

Premier Doug Ford was asked about Oosterhoff during a visit to a mass vaccination clinic in Cobourg on Monday.

“Everyone has a right to believe in what they want. I am not one to dictate anyone’s belief,” said Ford.

“What I don’t believe in is when you compare abortion to the Holocaust. That’s just wrong. Nothing should be compared to the Holocaust…but I’ll be speaking to Sam tonight.”

Oosterhoff is the parliamentary assistant for Education Minister Stephen Lecce.

In a statement issued to 680 NEWS, Oosterhoff said “I don’t think anyone is surprised to know that I am pro-life.”

“I have always been very clear where I stand when it comes to protecting the right to life,” said Oosterhoof in an email. “While I respect everyone’s right to hold and express their personal views, I don’t believe anything should be compared to the horror of the Holocaust.”

The opposition is reacting to Oosterhoff’s affiliation with the group. Liberal Party leader Steven Del Duca says he should be removed from his position immediately.

“This is yet another example of Sam Oosterhoff’s exceptionally poor judgment,” tweeted Del Duca.

“It’s inappropriate for the PA to the Min of EDU to attend an event attacking a woman’s right to choose. It’s backwards and regressive, and Sam should be removed from his role as a result.”

Former Premier Kathleen Wynne said, “As Parliamentary Assistant to provincial Minister is this MPP speaking for Doug Ford? Shameful.” 

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath also taking to Twitter to denounce Oosterhoff, saying the MPP needs to step down.

“Students face an unprecedented challenge and need a #OntEd Parliamentary Assistant to focus on them. Instead, Sam Oosterhoff would rather support a group insulting the memory of millions of Jews murdered in the Holocaust & attack women’s right to choose.”

Students face an unprecedented challenge and need a #OntEd Parliamentary Assistant to focus on them.
Instead, Sam Oosterhoff would rather support a group insulting the memory of millions of Jews murdered in the Holocaust & attack women's right to choose.
He needs to step down.

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) March 15, 2021

 

Wednesday’s event is being organized by the University of Ottawa Students for Life, Carleton Life Network, and University of Waterloo Students for Life.

“We need bold, strong leaders, and raising a generation to be just that is an ongoing mission for us,” National Campus Life Network said of Oosterhoff.

Last fall, Oosterhoff was criticized after posing for group photos without a mask on.