David Shepherd, NDP Critic for Health, made the following statement:

“Today Alberta reported 717 new cases of COVID-19, of which 325 cases were the highly-contagious variant strain. This is a big jump and one that is very concerning to all Albertans. I echo Dr. Hinshaw's comments that we must be cautious as we head into the spring break. I encourage all Albertans to follow the public health orders, wear your mask, keep physical distancing, and protect each other. That is how we are going to get through this.

"I will say, doctors and frontline health care providers are preparing for a third wave and yet Jason Kenney still refuses to release modelling. Worse, when asked about this today, he couldn't even acknowledge the first wave we saw last spring. He said it wasn't a wave. These kinds of comments diminish the loss of life and the heartbreak so many Albertans felt this time last year. That is not leadership and Albertans deserve better.”