BC JOINS SASKATCHEWAN IN MANDATORY MASKING, BUT UCP MLAS WON’T EVEN COMMIT TO WEARING MASKS THEMSELVES

EDMONTON - The BC government is implementing a mandatory mask policy today, only hours after the UCP government in Alberta refused to even commit to their own caucus members wearing them.

The BC policy means both of Alberta’s neighbouring provinces have directed residents to wear masks to protect health and reduce the chance of severe economic restrictions. Yesterday, Alberta’s NDP Official Opposition called on Jason Kenney and the UCP to mandate masks in all indoor public spaces in communities on the enhanced list.

“A targeted mask policy is a simple, common-sense measure to protect Albertans’ health while keeping our schools and small businesses open,” said David Shepherd, NDP Official Opposition Critic for Health. “Jason Kenney’s failure to prepare and failure to take action during this second wave is pushing Alberta towards a lockdown nobody wants.”

In the legislature Thursday afternoon, Shepherd called on Health Minister Tyler Shandro to implement the targeted mask policy, and Shandro ducked the question. Shepherd then asked Shandro if UCP MLAs would commit themselves to wearing masks in public indoor spaces, and Shandro again refused to answer.

“While Jason Kenney panders to the anti-mask conspiracy theorists in his UCP caucus, time is running out to protect Alberta businesses, workers, seniors and families from the hardship of another lockdown,” said Shepherd. “Albertans know if Kenney doesn’t act immediately, our hospitals will soon be overrun.”

Alberta reported 1,105 new cases of COVID-19 today.