NDP Leader Rachel Notley is responding to yesterday's announcement about COVID-19 protocol changes in Alberta. She says many people have questions about the decision that remain unanswered. #ableg
Notley is calling for a reversal of the changes announced yesterday. Says we will not know we are in a crisis situation until too late, by relying solely on hospitalization numbers.
"This isn't fair for Albertans. It isn't fair for them to be exposed and not know," she says. Adds that it doesn't make sense to just rely on people to self-isolate when not required.
If it's an issue of resources, Notley says the government should just provide more resources to support these actions. Effects of the Delta variant remain largely unknown, and we don't know how this will be interpreted by the rest of Canada or around the world.
"It's just too soon," Notley says about the decision. Adds 1 in 3 people are still not vaccinated fully.
On schools, she says there needs to be a plan for in-school vaccinations. There are lots of questions about how the return to school will be carried out safely.
On schools, she says there needs to be a plan for in-school vaccinations. There are lots of questions about how the return to school will be carried out safely.
"It is shocking we are four weeks away without a plan," Notley says about the back to school risks.
Notley says there are no barriers in place for the economy if these restrictions stay in place.
"All we ask is that the government do the bare minimum."
"All we ask is that the government do the bare minimum."
Questions now. Concerns from unions about people going to work while sick?
Notley says that's among the concerns we have heard, and people will be going to work while knowing they are infectious. Without obligation to isolate and no paid leave, they will be forced to work.
Notley says that's among the concerns we have heard, and people will be going to work while knowing they are infectious. Without obligation to isolate and no paid leave, they will be forced to work.
What can be done to boost vaccine uptake?
Notley says this is why she feels the decision comes too soon, there are many communities with high rates of unvaccinated people. She thinks the government should improve access for people who want it but cannot get it easily.
Notley says this is why she feels the decision comes too soon, there are many communities with high rates of unvaccinated people. She thinks the government should improve access for people who want it but cannot get it easily.
Notley says putting vaccine clinics in schools for eligible youths would go a long way to helping with this and raise the rates overall.
I ask if Dr. Hinshaw should resign.
Notley says we've tried to "swim through the murky relationship" between the CMOH and the government, but she is just struck by the "recklessness of the decision." Everyone needs to take responsibility.
Notley says we've tried to "swim through the murky relationship" between the CMOH and the government, but she is just struck by the "recklessness of the decision." Everyone needs to take responsibility.
.@ashleyjoannou asks for reaction about the Telus Babylon health privacy report released today.
She says notable breaches of privacy come when the government "rushes headlong" into technology like that. Hopes the government pulls back and acknowledges they made mistakes.
She says notable breaches of privacy come when the government "rushes headlong" into technology like that. Hopes the government pulls back and acknowledges they made mistakes.
.@CGriwkowsky asks about fundraising numbers (NDP did very well in the last quarter) and how do you continue the momentum?
Notley says she cannot speculate what the UCP will do on that front, given she is here today in response to a "reckless" decision.
Notley says she cannot speculate what the UCP will do on that front, given she is here today in response to a "reckless" decision.
That's all for today.
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