Statement: NDP Agriculture & Forestry Critic Lorne Dach on High River-area COVID-19 cases

“Two workers have now died as a result of COVID-19 at the JBS plant in Brooks. Our hearts go out to the families of these workers.

“Once again today, we have seen no action by Jason Kenney and the UCP Government to take the necessary step to close this plant for a period until a proper safety plan has been created. Their inaction continues to put the JBS workers and the larger Alberta community at risk.

We know worker representatives with the United Food and Commercial Workers continue to raise serious concerns — concerns that have fallen on deaf ears with this Government.

The UCP sat on their hands when it comes to the Cargill plant in High River. As they ignored concerns from workers there we saw a ten-fold increase in COVID-19 cases linked to the plant and one employee has died.

The Premier, the Minister and the UCP Government appear to have learned nothing from that tragedy. Our Caucus has been clear — close the JBS plant and put safety first.”