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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.