National

Alberta to announce timeline to end COVID-19 rules

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 Feb, 2022 10:49 AM

EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says he will announce later today a plan to reduce COVID-19 health restrictions.

Kenney says it will be a prudent timeline to lift the rules provided pressure on hospitals continues to decline.

Today at 5 pm I will announce Alberta’s path back to normal - a careful and prudent plan to lift damaging restrictions if pressure on our hospitals continues to decline.

Please tune in.
— Jason Kenney (@jkenney) February 8, 2022

The premier announced last week that such a plan was coming and that the first step would be ending Alberta's vaccine passports to access non-essential businesses such as restaurants and bars.

The passport, known as a restriction exemption in the province, has become the symbol of the clash in Alberta on where the line should be between public health orders and individual rights and freedoms.

Opposition Leader Rachel Notley says Kenney needs to show the scientific data to support ending the decision and says without it, he appears to be prematurely ending health restrictions to pander to hardliners in his party and caucus.

Truckers and their supporters have been blockading the main U.S. border checkpoint at Coutts in southern Alberta on and off for a week in protest of vaccine rules.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

2,542 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

There are 27,106 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 236,309 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 298 individuals are in hospital and 86 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

2,542 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

Hospitals feeling strain of COVID-19 surge

Ontario health officials said the province would delay all surgeries deemed non-urgent starting Wednesday as the province grapples with the dual pressures of rising admissions and increased staff absences.

Hospitals feeling strain of COVID-19 surge

Minister asks for investigation into party flight

Videos of the Dec. 30 flight shared on social media appear to show passengers not wearing masks as they gather in close proximity, singing and dancing in the aisle and on seats. In one video, a large bottle of vodka appears to be passed among passengers, and later a woman appears to be smoking an electronic cigarette on the plane.

Minister asks for investigation into party flight

New paid sick day policy comes into effect in B.C.

Workers in British Columbia are now eligible for five paid sick days as the provincial government brings in changes to the policy affecting workers. The government says eligible employees will be guaranteed those sick days, provided they've worked for their employer for at least 90 days.

New paid sick day policy comes into effect in B.C.

Hackers target PS752 victims' families in presser

Hackers targeted a Tuesday virtual news conference held by lawyers and family members of victims of the Iranian military's downing of a passenger jet two years ago. The family members, along with their legal team, had begun a video media availability to discuss a court decision that awarded them millions.

Hackers target PS752 victims' families in presser

U.S., Canada both declare victory in dairy dispute

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai formally requested a dispute settlement panel last May to examine allegations from American producers that Canada is denying them fair access to the Canadian market.