The pandemic has raised questions about the Public Health Act (Introduced in 1910) and powers that allow for forced immunization (added in 1984) in an emergency. 1/7
A small number of people have used this section of the Act to scare others, claiming that forcible immunizations are right around the corner. 2/7
This has led to confusion when our collective health and wellbeing is dependent on Albertans taking responsibility by following public health measures. 3/7
Dr. Hinshaw was asked if she supports these powers, she said: “…I’m not sure it provides much benefit. I’d be comfortable with that particular piece of the legislation being removed.” 4/7
I support Dr. Hinshaw’s position and the repeal of this section of the Act. The vast majority of Albertans will voluntarily opt to receive a #COVID19 vaccination once it's available. I know I will. 5/7
In fact, Albertan parents already step-up routinely when it is time to vaccinate their children.
As a parent, I found Alberta’s immunization program easy to understand and straightforward when it came time for my children’s vaccinations. 6/7
The program works because it is voluntary, easy to understand, and because the awareness of the importance of vaccinations is growing every day. 7/7
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
I would like to inform Albertans that a new section has been added to the @youralberta website with information on accessing proof of vaccination records.
Albertans have been asking more questions about proof of vaccination in recent days so we have posted answers to some of the most common questions online.
To be clear, the Alberta government has not and will not mandate a so-called ‘vaccine passport’ for domestic use. 2/8
Other jurisdictions (provinces/countries) may have different requirements which the Alberta govt does not control.
Albertans already receive proof of vaccination when they get their shot, be it from AHS, pharmacies, or a doctor. 3/8
The Liberals are currently crisscrossing the country spending your tax dollars electioneering by criticizing provincial gov'ts when it is politically convenient for them to do so. 1/9
Minister Hajdu noticeably neglected to write a letter to Saskatchewan despite SK and AB having similar approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead, Ms. Hajdu chose to target Alberta – the Trudeau Liberals’ favourite punching bag. 2/9
This is about politics, plain and simple.
The feds’ own track record on decisive action on COVID-19 has been atrocious – from leaving borders wide open in the early days of the pandemic to failing miserably on quickly procuring vaccines. 3/9
Today, I approved a three-step change to Alberta’s vaccine rollout to help protect residents in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Banff areas.
These areas are being hardest hit by the third wave, yet seeing lower than average vaccine coverage. 1/7
#1: As soon as they arrive, we will redirect all doses of the Janssen vaccine, as supply allows, to the #RMWB and Banff areas.
We expect to receive about 30,000 doses soon, but are awaiting exact confirmation from Ottawa. 2/7
#2: As soon as possible, we will also lower the eligibility age for AstraZeneca & Janssen vaccines to 30+ in those areas, and the Moderna vaccine to 30+ in adjacent Indigenous communities.
This will help more people access the vaccine. All other areas remain the same. 3/7
We're making rapid testing easier and less expensive for Alberta businesses & organizations.
Businesses & service providers wanting access to free rapid tests will no longer be required to have a health care provider oversee their screening program. 1/5 alberta.ca/release.cfm?xI…
We heard from Alberta’s business community and other organizations that hiring a health care provider was a significant and costly barrier for many organizations.
This change will allow more organizations to access rapid testing kits without compromising health and safety. 2/5
Protecting Albertans and our public health system remains our top priority. The decision is supported by Health Canada and aligns with Ontario & other international jurisdictions.
There are still stringent requirements for the use of rapid tests for asymptomatic screening. 3/5