Exclusive with @charlesrusnell and @Murray_Brewster:
The Canadian military is preparing for possible deployment of troops in the Prairies to help with the pandemic response, including potentially as early as Saturday in Alberta:
cbc.ca/news/canada/ed…
(Thread) #ableg #cdnpoli
The Canadian military is preparing for possible deployment of troops in the Prairies to help with the pandemic response, including potentially as early as Saturday in Alberta:
cbc.ca/news/canada/ed…
(Thread) #ableg #cdnpoli
Both the Alberta govt and federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair say Alberta has not yet requested help.
But reservists here told us they have been ordered to complete their pandemic-response training (Op Laser) by Saturday, and deployment could come any time after that.
But reservists here told us they have been ordered to complete their pandemic-response training (Op Laser) by Saturday, and deployment could come any time after that.
A spokesperson for Minister Blair did not respond to a question about whether Manitoba or Saskatchewan have requested military assistance. National Defence did not respond to an interview request.
Edmonton critical care Doctor Noel Gibney says the deployment preparation now underway shows the military realizes the severity of the situation in Alberta.
We also viewed some slides from an Operation Laser training module. One slide specifically referenced soldiers being stationed in long-term care facilities.
Here's what a reservist said re: their understanding of what their role would be if called upon.
Here's what a reservist said re: their understanding of what their role would be if called upon.
Another slide, called "Palliative Care," said troops may have to place bodies in body bags or vehicles.
One slide talked about "moral injuries" -- essentially telling soldiers to brace for what they may see while helping with the pandemic response.
"Most of us probably didn't picture ourselves serving in a long-term care facility when we joined, but it is an honour to be able to assist our fellow Canadians in their time of need," another slide said.
So what is the current backdrop for this deployment preparation?
In Alberta, a new record of 20,000 active COVID-19 cases yesterday. 631 deaths and counting -- most of those in continuing care. Daily updates now announcing 1800+ new cases in a day.
In Alberta, a new record of 20,000 active COVID-19 cases yesterday. 631 deaths and counting -- most of those in continuing care. Daily updates now announcing 1800+ new cases in a day.
Also yesterday, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said Alberta will have to bring in more restrictions to slow the virus' spread...
...Days after Premier @jkenney accused the media of torquing pandemic coverage and denounced "voices of panic and hysteria."
...Days after Premier @jkenney accused the media of torquing pandemic coverage and denounced "voices of panic and hysteria."
Some more context: Last week, we revealed how an Alberta government draft plan showed the province has been planning field hospitals in Edmonton and Calgary.
Staffing them was cited as a major obstacle and the document referenced potentially calling in the military.
Staffing them was cited as a major obstacle and the document referenced potentially calling in the military.
It is not certain that the military will be called in to assist in Alberta.
But reservists told us the order to complete their Operation Laser training came down quickly and they think the military realizes the severity of what the province faces.
(End) #ableg #cdnpoli
But reservists told us the order to complete their Operation Laser training came down quickly and they think the military realizes the severity of what the province faces.
(End) #ableg #cdnpoli
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