2 Alberta MLAs call for return of unvaccinated students to post-secondary campuses
A pair of United Conservative Party MLAs penned a letter calling for the return of unvaccinated students to Alberta's post-secondary schools provided they test negative for COVID-19.
Nine of the province's largest post-secondary institutions currently have strict immunization policies in place where only staff and students who are fully vaccinated may attend on-campus classes and activities.
Thursday's letter signed by Peace River MLA Dan Williams and Deputy Government House Leader/Cardston-Siksika MLA Joseph Schow called for change.
"We have failed to see these institutions demonstrate how their students are any safer from COVID-19 than those on campuses that allow rapid testing instead of proof of vaccination," the letter read. "All post-secondary institutions in Alberta should remove their backward-thinking COVID-19 vaccine mandates."
Neither UCP MLA has responded to CTV News' requests for comment.
The letter, which is addressed to the premier, health minister and minister of advanced education, argues unvaccinated students are being denied the opportunity to receive a higher education.
"(Those students) have seen their education and employment opportunities vanish for making a personal health choice. How can we rise to the demands of a growing economy and the challenges of COVID-19 if unvaccinated students are not allowed to graduate and help build Alberta’s economic future?"
Both MLAs are backbenchers with notable pasts.
Williams was outspoken over the closure of Alberta churches during the pandemic. He made headlines after arguing the GraceLife building should not be "barricaded" after it was closed for repeatedly breaking public health restrictions.
When CTV News conducted a government poll regarding vaccinations, Williams refused to answer multiple requests regarding his immunization status.
Williams also brought forward a controversial motion to give Schow a raise just months after the Cardston-Siksika member was named deputy government house leader.
That $12,000 annual pay bump, which isn't typically associated with the role, brought criticism from the opposition NDP. The party argued the move went against a UCP campaign promise to reduce unnecessary spending.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as one report claims explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.