Parties differ in approach to door-knocking in upcoming P.E.I. byelection

While the Liberal candidate is hoping to meet voters on the doorstep during the byelection campaign in District 10, Charlottetown-Winsloe, the PCs and NDP say they will not knock on doors, as a matter of safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

P.E.I. Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison reiterated Thursday her office does not recommend door-to-door campaigning.

"Our recommendation is that we don't do door-to-door canvassing and we look at alternative ways of connecting," said Morrison, adding the practice is not banned.

"We understand that there may be people that need to do that."

In a news release Thursday morning, the Murphy campaign said it had submitted an operational plan to the CPHO and was waiting for a response.

The plan itself was not included with the news release.

The CPHO has released a set of guidelines. Those guidelines could apply to fundraising or sales, as well as political campaigning.

CPHO guidelines include:

• Not entering a home.
• Maintaining a two-metre distance.
• No direct contact, including handing out of flyers, papers, pens, etc. These may be placed in a mailbox.
• Canvassing inside a long-term care facility prohibited.

'Unneeded worry and risk'

Premier Dennis King, in a written statement issued Thursday evening, said the PC party would not be doing any door-to-door canvassing.

"The Chief Public Health Office has recommended against door-to-door visitation and canvassing to limit the potential risk of virus spread," King said in the statement. 

"For all the same reasons why we abide by their recommendations in our everyday lives, our PC candidate Zack Bell will not be doing active door-to-door campaigning during the byelection."

The premier went on to encourage all political parties and candidates to "follow the advice of the CPHO and to not bring unneeded worry and risk to the constituents through door-to-door campaigning."

In an email, the NDP said it has "no intention of doing door-to-door canvassing."

The campaign said it may use mail/brochure drops, but there will be no direct contact or communication. 

"Lynne Thiele plans to make voter contact through media, phone, and safe public encounters in accordance with Health PEI COVID protocols."

CBC News wrote to the Green Party about its plans for the campaign, but has not yet received a response.

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