Denman Island resident Dr. Stephen Malthouse has made headlines recently for his controversial positions on COVID-19 measures and his suspension from practicing medicine. However, he is now entering the political arena as a candidate for the Conservative Party of B.C. in the new riding of Ladysmith-Oceanside.
Malthouse's medical license was suspended by B.C.'s College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia on March 24, 2022, following complaints from other doctors. The College determined that there would be a real risk of harm to the public if Malthouse continued to practice without restriction. An interim order was issued to protect the public during the investigation.
Prior to his suspension, Malthouse participated in several Doctors on Tour events across B.C., where he openly questioned vaccine mandates and criticized public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry's approach to dealing with the pandemic, as well as the effectiveness of masks. These events further fueled the controversy surrounding his views.
Despite his suspension and the backlash he has received, the Conservative Party of B.C. has described Malthouse as a “seasoned family physician” who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. They see him as someone who can bring fresh perspectives to the party and stimulate important conversations on public health issues.
Malthouse's official biography on the party's website acknowledges the controversy surrounding his tenure as a physician. It states that he has faced criticism and censorship from his medical college for publicly challenging the mainstream narrative on the pandemic and vaccine safety. The biography also highlights Malthouse's bold stance on public health issues, emphasizing the need for open scientific debate and the protection of individual freedoms.
The Conservative Party of B.C. has been advocating for an end to B.C.'s vaccination mandate for health-care workers. They argue that lifting the mandate would benefit the healthcare system by allowing unvaccinated workers to return to work. However, the provincial government has rejected this call, emphasizing that the vaccination mandate is crucial for protecting patients, particularly vulnerable individuals in long-term care and acute care settings. It is worth noting that the majority of B.C.'s health care workers are already fully vaccinated.
Premier David Eby has criticized the Conservative Party's stance, particularly in light of rising measles cases in the country. He expressed concerns about bringing unvaccinated health workers into hospitals during a measles outbreak, highlighting the risks posed to babies and infants who are not immediately vaccinated after birth.
As this story continues to develop, Black Press Media has reached out to Malthouse for comment. The controversy surrounding his views and his decision to enter politics are sure to generate further debate and discussion in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Dr. Stephen Malthouse's entry into politics as a candidate for the Conservative Party of B.C. has stirred controversy due to his suspension from practicing medicine and his outspoken views on COVID-19 measures. While some see him as a “seasoned family physician” who challenges the status quo, others express concerns about the potential risks associated with his positions. As the provincial election approaches, Malthouse's candidacy will undoubtedly generate further discussion on public health issues and the role of individual freedoms in the face of a pandemic.
