Green Party Chatham-Kent-Leamington candidate Mark Vercouteren clarified his position on abortion Monday, saying his views aligns with the party's position.

"I strongly believe in a woman's right to a safe, legal abortion," Vercouteren said, in an email statement.

Vercouteren's comments come days after Green party leader Elizabeth May confirmed she was "re-vetting" a number of candidates — including Vercouteren — due to previous comments they made about abortion and Quebec nationalism.

CBC News previously reported Vercouteren made anti-abortion statements in two Campaign Life Coalition questionnaires — most recently during the 2018 Ontario provincial elections.

Vercouteren confirmed that he said he was pro-life in a 2014 Campaign Life Coalition survey, explaining he meant he believes "in the sanctity of all life, but that this does not override a woman's right to choose."

He added that he believes the Campaign Life Coalition re-used his answers in a 2018 survey without his permission.

"I did not disclose my past answers to the Green Party of Canada when they selected me as a candidate because I agree with the party's policies on this issue," Vercouteren said. "This includes support for abortion access, preventative measures like comprehensive sex education, access to contraception, and expanded support for low-income mothers."

Vercouteren also apologized for the confusion caused by his answers in 2018.