Federal support needed but won't solve Alberta's COVID-19 crisis quickly, doctors say
CBC
As the federal government works with Alberta to determine potential pandemic supports, some doctors worry the province's COVID-19 situation could get even worse before federal help arrives.
During interviews with CBC News on Wednesday, three Edmonton physicians brought up logistical challenges in training out-of-province workers and transferring patients. They said resources from other provinces could help reduce the strain on Alberta's intensive care units, but not immediately.
In a letter to federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair on Tuesday, Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver asked for aero-medical evacuation capacity and critical care staff, particularly registered nurses and respiratory therapists.
As of Wednesday there are 1,040 patients in Alberta hospitals with COVID-19, including 230 in intensive care beds. Both numbers are the highest the province has seen.
Speaking with CBC on Wednesday morning, Dr. James Talbot, a former chief medical officer of health and current co-chair of Alberta's Strategic COVID-19 Pandemic Committee, said the provincial government should have asked for help sooner because the province "is in a crisis close to meltdown."
Federal help "may take a little bit of pressure off the system," Talbot said, "but it's not enough to prevent a disaster."
Dr. Shazma Mithani, an ER physician in Edmonton, told CBC the province should bring in stronger health measures.
When the government touts that its auto insurance reforms might curb premiums by $400 come 2027, the ministers and premier don't readily mention what's to come in the three years leading up to that.
Who poses the greater threat to the free speech of Conservative MPs — the Speaker of the House of Commons or the leader of the Conservative Party?
As city council prepares to vote on a temporary shelter village for people experiencing homelessness in Thunder Bay, Ont., opposition is growing among the area's business community.
A Toronto centre for Black art is hosting an exhibition this weekend that exclusively features work by artists from across the African diaspora.
Click on the video player above on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. ET to watch the 2024 Vanier Cup.
This story is part of CBC Health's Second Opinion, a weekly analysis of health and medical science news emailed to subscribers on Saturday mornings. If you haven't subscribed yet, you can do that by clicking here.
Some Canadian seniors say they're feeling abandoned by the Liberal government's latest inflation relief measure after learning they don't qualify for it.
WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
The weather has certainly been gloomy, damp and windy over the past 10 days in Nova Scotia and it's going to continue this weekend.
Premier Susan Holt says the federal tax holiday on some goods announced Thursday could cost New Brunswick $62 million in revenue.
Thousands in Quebec's Montérégie region will not get their flu and COVID-19 vaccine directly at their seniors' residence anymore.