Calgary UCP MLA says Alberta's COVID-19 inaction will 'cost us lives'
CBC
A Calgary UCP MLA says the government's inaction on rising COVID-19 cases "will cost us lives" and that there was ample warning to take decisive actions weeks earlier.
Richard Gotfried, who represents Calgary-Fish Creek, made the remarks on Facebook late Wednesday in response to questions from commenters.
"I am deeply apologetic that my persistent efforts and unequivocal internal advocacy have now proven to have lacked the required urgency," Gotfried wrote.
"I am truly sorry, but even more wracked by sadness for the collateral impact on other vulnerable Albertans."
Gotfried's comments were posted after Premier Jason Kenney declared a public health emergency and announced new restrictions, including a proof-of-vaccination program, to curb the fourth wave of COVID-19 cases that he said could overwhelm provincial ICU capacity within 10 days.
The government's moves come 2½ months after the province dropped nearly all COVID-19 restrictions under Kenney's Open for Summer plan.
On Monday, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, said the plan set Alberta on the path to the fourth wave. Alberta's case numbers are the worst in Canada.
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