Smith looking to block future mask mandates in schools
CTV
Alberta's premier says she will "not permit any further masking mandates of children" in schools following a court ruling on the government's decision to drop and block those mandates.
Alberta's premier says she will "not permit any further masking mandates of children" in schools following a court ruling on the government's decision to drop and block those mandates.
Earlier this week, the Alberta Court of King's Bench ruled that the government's decision to block school boards from imposing their own mask mandates after provincial ones were dropped "was made for improper purposes."
The ruling was met with praise from the Alberta Federation of Labour's president, Gil McGowan.
"The judge was very clear that the decision maker, when it comes to public health, is the chief medical officer of health," he said. "The court made it clear she decides – she cannot delegate that decision making."
On Saturday, Premier Danielle Smith released a statement saying she directed the justice minister to assess whether an appeal on Thursday's decision is appropriate.
"(I) have instructed our government’s ministers of justice, health and education to alert me to any legislative or regulatory changes that may be necessary to reaffirm or clarify our government’s full authority with respect to this and other health and education matters," said Smith.
"The detrimental effects of masking on the mental health, development and education of children in classroom settings is well understood, and we must turn the page on what has been an extremely difficult time for children, along with their parents and teachers."
