Alberta’s NDP Official Opposition Deputy Leader Sarah Hoffman issued the following statement in response to the grim milestone of 1,000 COVID-19 deaths:

“On behalf of the NDP we share our deepest condolences with the families and friends of more than 1,000 Albertans who have now died of COVID-19.

“This is devastating number and we recognize the immense pain and suffering being experienced by many families and friends. 

“We continue to call on Premier Jason Kenney and the UCP to do more to prevent the spread and further tragic loss of life.

“We need more staff in Alberta’s continuing care centres, we need an actual plan for school re-entry in January and we need updated modelling on COVID-19 so that we have the facts and transparency on the risks we face as this pandemic carries on.

“The measures described above are just some of what the Government can do in honour of those who have died.

“As for those of us without the full power of the Government of Alberta at our disposal, we can all pledge to follow the public health orders. We got through Christmas without being together and, while extremely difficult, it was worthwhile to reduce risk and loss of life.

“We must do the same as we approach New Year’s Eve. We must continue to follow the rules. The lives of Albertans depend on the actions we take.”