When to review Alberta's COVID-19 response? Opposition and government differ on timeline
The government and opposition exchanged opinions on when a review into the pandemic response should take place during the first day of the Alberta legislature’s fall sitting.
The NDP wanted to create a non-partisan committee on Monday with representation from all caucuses to publically hold hearings to gather evidence, ensure public servants and public staff testified, and receive input from public health experts and workers.
Christina Gray, opposition house leader, introduced the request and said a committee would allow for a full inquiry into the pandemic and government responses.
“(This) would provide answers and lessons learned across the province, to bring justice and transparency for all Albertans,” Gray said.
In the Official Opposition’s view, hosting a special COVID-19 debate or giving time during question period to address concerns with the pandemic’s handling is not enough. For Gray, they only allow the government to present “canned rhetoric” and “not real answers.”
“Debate in this house, should not, and does not, and cannot be a replacement for the accountability and transparency a committee review process would be able to provide,” Gray said.
The request, requiring unanimous consent, failed.
Jason Nixon, government house leader, said the legislature needs to have a conversation about COVID-19, but called the committee a “blind partisan” maneuver.
“What they are asking for is extremely unreasonable in the middle of the fourth wave,” Nixon said.
In his view, the focus at this time should remain on dealing with the pandemic and a committee would take health care professionals' time and effort away from helping Albertans.
Nixon reassured the opposition that the premier and health minister have “committed” to a “significant review” of the entire pandemic, with details to be released at a later time.
“There will be a full review,” the government house leader said. “Albertans deserve that, members on my side of the aisle want to see that happen, and we will ensure that that happens.
“But not in an NDP partisan way,” he added, “that will take resources away from people right now that need it inside hospitals.”
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.