TORONTO -- Health Minister Patty Hajdu says she takes mask requirements seriously, despite being photographed at Toronto's Pearson International Airport not wearing one.
Masks are mandatory inside all airports in Canada.
"Following public health rules is important to me. I wear my mask at all times at Toronto Pearson, and only take it off to eat or drink, as allowed," Hajdu responded on Twitter, after a picture of her not wearing a mask was posted on Sunday to the social media site by a person who describes themselves as a staffer to Alberta's advanced education minister.
The tweeter, whose handle is @ThanasipAB, accused Hajdu of setting a bad example in the post.
"Hi @PattyHajdu I don’t like wearing masks in indoor spaces either. But please don’t undermine PHAC’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID. We all have to do our part. Please set a better example for Canadians."
While there is no food or drink visible in the photo, a takeout food bag can be seen and a ministry spokesperson said Hajdu was in fact eating at the time the picture was taken.
Hajdu is the MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North.
