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
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.