Airdrie-East MLA accused of 'undermining Alberta's vaccination efforts' with social media posts
The Facebook page of Airdrie-East MLA Angela Pitt was updated Wednesday night with an image championing freedom of vaccination choice. Now, the NDP is calling for her removal from caucus.
The image, which was posted without comment nor credit to a photographer, appears to be from an anti-vaccine card rally held in Nakusp, B.C. on Sept. 1.
The photo shows two people walking hand-in-hand while wearing sandwich boards indicating the fact one had been vaccinated while the other had not been immunized. Both signs included the phrase 'together we stand for choice'.
There is no indication that the UCP MLA attended the rally that occurred on the same day as Alberta's 116th birthday, an occasion Pitt noted and celebrated on her Facebook page.
Vaccines are not mandated in Alberta, but select businesses have announced their plans to only serve only fully vaccinated clientele. The list of organizations include professional sports teams, restaurants and pubs.
Under Premier Jason Kenney, the UCP government has been strongly encouraging every eligible Alberta to be vaccinated, though it removed mandatory vaccination from provincial legislation. However, key employers in the province, including Alberta Health Services and WestJet, have now mandated vaccines for its workers.
In the spring, Pitt posted on social media she intended to be vaccinated.
CTV News has requested comment from Pitt regarding the Facebook photo, but as of early Friday afternoon, she has not responded.
David Shepherd, the NDP critic for health, is calling for Pitt's removal from the government caucus for "undermining Alberta's vaccination efforts on social media."
Pitt is not the lone Airdrie-area UCP MLA to make social media posts that appear to be at odds with government policy.
Earlier this week, Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie issued an apology letter to his constituents where he apologized for the province's reintroduction of public health restrictions after the provincial government declared earlier this summer that Alberta would be 'Open for Summer' and 'Open for Good'.
In his letter, Guthrie accused the province of taking a "disparaging and accusatory tone" toward Albertans who elected not to be vaccinated for whatever reason. Guthrie confirms he has been immunized but supports the right of individuals to choose.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
DEVELOPING Live updates from the Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels, bookkeeper testify
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.