Pandemic protests continue as Calgarians call for province to rethink response
Hundreds of health care workers, educators and concerned Calgarians held another protest Saturday to ask the provincial government to retool its pandemic strategy.
It was the second such event in two days.
Many on site are worried the latest reeling in of health restrictions could jeopardize safety in Alberta, and they want a pause on any action until everyone can be vaccinated.
"I'm here today because, like many other people, I can't sit on the sidelines anymore," teacher and parent Crystal Chokshi told CTV News. "Right now it's looking like (my two young daughters) might have to stay home again and be homeschooled after making so many sacrifices."
Chokshi's sentiment was a familiar one in front of the McDougall Centre.
Hundreds say they're worried an end to COVID-19 isolation periods, masking rules and contact tracing will make the upcoming school year a dangerous one.
Albertans under 12 are not eligible to be vaccinated.
"I don't know if they realize the gravity," Diane Forsyth said. "These are our children. The thought that they are being exposed is just beyond mind boggling."
The province announced on Wednesday that Alberta will be dropping mandatory health measures in mid-August. It believes the latest immunization numbers make the move possible.
The rate of severe outcomes in children who have COVID-19 is drastically lower than it is in adults.
But one medical professional argued on Saturday that there are other things at stake.
"I would invite Mr. Kenney to talk with the survivors who are still rehabilitating to get a better grasp of what it is he's setting loose on us on Aug. 16," respiratory therapist Marie Stuckel said. "Do we want full lockdowns? No. Do we want kids to be able to go to school? Yes. But let's be safe about it and let's use our heads."
Nearly 65 per cent of Albertans ages 12 and up have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The protesters say they will be back at McDougall Centre every day at noon until the province rethinks its decision.
Similar large gatherings have been held this week in Edmonton and in Lethbridge.
According to the latest virus data, which consists of the figures recorded as of July 29, there are 796 active cases of COVID-19 in the city of Calgary.
A week ago, on July 22, that number was 367.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.