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
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.