MP has H1N1 concerns for federal election

An NDP MP from Winnipeg has written to Elections Canada about H1N1 concerns should a fall federal election be called.

Judy Wasylycia-Leis wants to know what measures Elections Canada has in place to safeguard voters from the spread of swine flu, considering an election poses significant health risks with large public events and many people coming into contact during canvassing.

"As you are no doubt aware, experts expect a strong resurgence in H1N1 infections in the coming months, with high incidences in some communities, including remote aboriginal communities," Wasylycia-Leis wrote in her letter, dated Friday and addressed to Marc Mayrand, Canada's chief electoral officer.

"An election poses significant potential public health risks. Large public events, canvassing and other typical campaign activities, not to mention polling booths and long line-ups to vote on election day, all result in a great deal of contact between members of the public.

"In the event of a fall election, what measures are Elections Canada planning to safeguard public health and to ensure Canadians who contract the virus are not disenfranchised?"

In an interview with CBC News, Wasylycia-Leis said the idea of politicians wearing gloves as they knock on doors and meet the public during a campaign doesn't sound appealing, but she'll do it if required.

"You shake a lot of hands, you hug and kiss a lot of people and you are in many large gatherings, so the conditions are ripe for the spread of a flu," she said.

"Is there going to be hand sanitizer at every polling station? Will there be reusable pencils so no one is touching the same article? Will there be rules about gatherings and using masks and gloves?"

Elections Canada has not yet responded to an interview request from CBC News.