Report into Alberta's initial COVID-19 response to be released by end of the week
A third-party report into Alberta's response during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic will be released later this week, according to Health Minister Tyler Shandro.
"Given the interest in the report, the full report will be posted earlier than planned in the interest of full transparency," Shandro tweeted.
The minister was responding to speculation that the report would not be released.
The province initially said the document would be published in late 2020 but later updated that timeline to early 2021.
Accounting firm KPMG was awarded a $475,000 contract to complete the report in July 2020.
Opposition New Democrats welcomed the report's impending release but are now also calling for a public inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic.
"It is clear that Albertans can no longer trust their own government to keep them safe,” said the NDP deputy leader, Sarah Hoffman.
At the time it was announced, the province said the investigation will help determine if Alberta is adequately equipped to deal with a second wave of coronavirus, should one occur in Canada.
"A strong, coordinated response can help save lives, prevent wide-scale spread of disease and help jobs and the economy bounce back more quickly," the province said in a release.
The review is expected to look at:
- Health system response
- Economic response
- Governance and decision-making
- Procurement
- Engagement with other governments and stakeholders
- Communications
The government says the review will be similar in nature to the ones performed in response to the 2016 Horse River fire in Fort McMurray, the 2013 floods in southern Alberta and the 2011 Slave Lake fire.
With files from CTV News Calgary's Michael Franklin
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.