Conservatives drop Yukon candidate, citing opposition to 'public health guidelines'

TheConservative Party of Canada is barring Jonas Smithfrom running as its Yukon candidate in the upcoming federal election.

In an email, the partysays Smith"is no longer our candidate after several discussions about his unwillingness to support public health guidelines."

A statement from Smith's campaign office goes a step further, saying that "the reason behind the disallowing of Smith's candidacy is his opposition to calls for implementation of mandated workplace vaccinations and vaccine passport requirements in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Smith saidthe move will be"devastating" for the party's base in Yukon.

The news comes after the LiberalsnamedBrendan Hanleyas theircandidate.Hanley announced on Tuesday that he istaking leave from his job as the territory's chief medical officer while campaigning.

Smith named as candidate only onemonth ago

The federal Conservatives only recently announced Smith's candidacy.

Smith narrowly lost to outgoingLiberal MP Larry Bagnellin 2019, who is setto retireafter more than two decades infederal politics.

Smith told CBC News he decided to run again based on what he said was a strong showing of support for him during the last election.

He alsorailed against the Liberal government, claiming they mishandled spending during the pandemic and sent the national debt skyward.

He said that he wanted tofocuson ramping up renewable energy capacity, housing and mental health supports.

'I'm just a regular, everyday Yukoner'

Smith is the former president of the Klondike Placer Miners' Association. He also served as president of the territorial Yukon Party and has worked in the premier's office. He's also worked as a server and musician.

"I'm just a regular, everyday Yukoner," Smith said during the lead-up to the last election.

"I like to think that I'm in touch with the realities of what a lot of people are going through."