'Test, trace and isolate': Sixth day of protests at Alberta legislature ahead of changing public health measures
For the sixth straight day people gathered outside of the legislature to protest the upcoming changes to Alberta's COVID-19 public health measures.
Starting Aug. 16 the provincial government plans to remove mandatory quarantine for people who test positive for the disease, it will only be recommended.
Albertans with COVID-19 symptoms will not be asked to get tested, but to stay at home until they feel better. Starting Aug. 30 COVID-19 tests will only be available to those who need to go to the hospital or see a physician.
At the same time masks will no longer be mandatory in public transit, rideshares and taxies.
"Test, trace and isolate," said one speaker Wednesday evening, calling those measures the "most basic" the province could keep in place.
Some of the protestors were parents concerned about the government's back-to-school plan. They're worried COVID-19 is more harmful to kids than Premier Jason Kenney and Dr. Deena Hinshaw say.
In a press conference Tuesday, Kenney said the decision was based on science and data.
“People are understandably anxious about both the disease itself and the damaging effect of restrictions,” said Kenney.
Organizers say they'll rally every day until Aug. 16 – the day the changes to public health measures are to take place – in an attempt to get the government to backtrack.
"I feel that if we keep doing this, we can get this government to change its course," said Albert Nobbs, founder of Alberta Activist Collective.
Nobbs says protests have also been happening in other cities across the province including Grande Prairie, Red Deer and Calgary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.