UCP MLAS UNDERMINE PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES AS THIRD WAVE CRASHES INTO ALBERTA

EDMONTON - Premier Jason Kenney must take immediate action against his UCP MLAs who are undermining public health orders put in place to deal with the deadly variant-driven third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When we are seeing 1,000 or more new cases a day and rapid growth of deadly variant cases, it is incredibly irresponsible and dangerous for elected officials to campaign against the public health measures that can keep Albertans safe,” said David Shepherd, NDP Health Critic. “Jason Kenney’s silence as his MLAs undermine healthcare workers doing their jobs to keep Albertans safe is another example of his weak and ineffective leadership. 

“Once again, UCP MLAs are flaunting the rules while Alberta families and businesses make excruciating sacrifices to keep their communities safe. Jason Kenney promised Albertans a culture of discipline in his caucus after Alohagate. Clearly he has failed,” Shepherd said.

UCP Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Ron Orr, in an email shared on social media stated: “I don’t know how to win this fight with the health officials. They are obsessed with the fear that catastrophe will come without another shut down. All I can tell you for sure is that nearly all rural MLAs have argued vehemently, again today, for no more lockdown.”

UCP Drumheller-Stettler MLA Nate Horner, in a Facebook post wrote: “As announced this afternoon Alberta is moving back to step 1 level restrictions province wide, I do not believe this is the right decision and do not support it.”

UCP Airdrie-East MLA Angela Pitt, in a Facebook post wrote: “I'm so incredibly disappointed with today's news of going backwards with more restrictions.  I have heard loud and clear that this move doesn't represent the views of so many of you in which I represent. I will continue to push back on damaging measures to business, families and our community as a whole. We can protect vulnerable people AND have a functioning society. I won't stop until life resumes to normal.  Please do not lose hope, you are not alone in this fight.”

“This is not about a public debate or a difference of opinion,” said Shepherd. “This is about elected officials using their positions to actively attack and tear down Alberta’s health care heroes for their own political gain. 

“Jason Kenney owes the people of Alberta an apology for allowing his reckless, conspiracy-spreading MLAs to endanger public health. Albertans deserve better.”