Thread by @Tommy_Slick

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange will be speaking to media about this momentarily. Again this is not being livestreamed, so follow this thread for all of the details. 660citynews.com/2021/04/14/cbe… #ableg #yyc

https://twitter.com/Tommy_Slick/status/1382450431725510658

This is now underway. LaGrange starting with just the general details on the announcement included above.

She makes it clear that this is not a move directed by @CMOH_Alberta, but this reflects an intention to have a regional approach to schooling during the pandemic.

While the preference is to learn in schools, LaGrange says there are pressures that are affecting their abilities. She says the government is providing the flexibility here.

LaGrange says COVID-19 is not affecting schools in the same way around Alberta, noting 81 per cent of schools in the province do not have alerts or outbreaks.

LaGrange says they are weighing the risks of transmission and the benefits of keeping schools open.

Questions. @ByJamesKeller asks that since we see skyrocketing cases around the province, are schools actually safe right now?

LaGrange stresses this is an operational request due to specific pressures in Calgary. Overall, though, she says it's still very safe.

LaGrange says the re-entry plan is working.

Followup, have you seen other requests from other school boards?

LaGrange says they have, in the past, they continue to review them on a school-by-school basis.

Next question, what constitutes a chronic shortage of substitute teachers?

LaGrange says in her understanding, the divisions have had difficulty ensuring there's a teacher in every classroom.

Followup, do you see this getting extended beyond two weeks and what would prevent that?

LaGrange says it's only two weeks for now, but if the divisions need more time they will take it into consideration.

.@jefflabine asks if she has received requests from Edmonton.

LaGrange says she has not received official requests from those authorities.

Jeff follows up, how long does it take to assess the criteria?

LaGrange says it is a very short turnaround, they act quickly on this.

.@MattWoodmanCTV says the NDP is accusing the UCP of hiding concerns about the school re-entry plan.

LaGrange says she is not sure what he refers to. But the re-entry plan was developed with the help of health officials and it was "shared". Says it has still been a successful yr

.@KevinCTV asks what supports are available to help with online learning.

LaGrange says divisions are working hard on this, so that students have the proper help. Says it's a good question for the school boards, not her.

Kevin asks if this decision was made in a rush.

LaGrange says no, it was thoughtful. They interact with the school boards on a daily basis and hear all the concerns.

I ask about the next school year, plans for the next re-entry.

LaGrange says they are mainly focused on the rest of this year, hopes vaccinations will help here to win the battle.

I follow up, if she pushes for vaccinations for teachers.

LaGrange says absolutely she has pushed for this, but the decisions are laying at the feet of the CMOH and the rest of the government. She encourages anyone to get the shot "when their turn comes up."

Last question from @Jantafrench, given rising cases in Edmonton as well, why not be proactive here?

LaGrange says she has not received a request from Edmonton boards to go online. Also taking advice from CMOH on the situation and how to move forward.

Followup, what are the provincial benchmarks? At what point would the province take action?

LaGrange says rising numbers of quarantines, along with a request from boards. Sounds like the government would not be prepared to take action on its own accord.

She wants to stress again that the greatest issue is operational considerations, not the amount of cases.

That's all folks. Thanks for joining along so late in the afternoon. Have a great night!