BREAKING: Kenney announces return of pandemic policy — sweeping restrictions for all


wwe.png

On September 3, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, Minister of Health Tyler Shandro, and Chief Medical Officer of Health Verna Yiu announced many new restrictions that Albertans will face.

Despite previous comments regarding lockdowns and keeping Alberta open and free of restrictions, Kenney now says that it is imperative that Alberta implement temporary measures to curve the spread of the Delta variant.

“The Delta variant of COVID-19 is causing concerning rises in hospitalizations in our province,” Kenney said, “almost entirely amongst unvaccinated Albertans.

“COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide amazing protection against infection and severe disease, even with the Delta variant. So, I’d like to thank the 2.9 million Albertans who have chosen to roll up their sleeves.”

He then listed some vaccine figures and Alberta’s progress before saying that is not enough and that the remaining population which has yet to be vaccinated must act as soon as possible.

“But the bad news is that we still have 30 percent of the eligible population without full vaccine protection – that is to say without two doses. And the Delta variant is ripping its way through [the unvaccinated] group at an aggressive rate.”

To convince those hesitant, Kenney announced that he would be willing to pay Albertans $100 to receive one dose as part of a new vaccine incentive program.

He then announced a whole new list of “temporary measures” to address the spread of COVID-19.

Amongst these measures were a return to mask mandates for all indoor public spaces and workplaces; ending the serving of alcohol by 10 p.m.; and restrictions on gatherings, only allowing a maximum of 10 people indoors.

“Vaccines are safe, effective, and a game-changer,” Shandro said in a statement. “This is why the current wave is different than what we’ve experienced before.

“While we do not need to return to the same widespread and dramatic measures we had in place earlier in the pandemic, unvaccinated Albertans, in particular, are still at risk and are placing a heavy load on our healthcare system. This is why we are taking measured steps and introducing a new incentive program to encourage more Albertans to get the jab.”

This announcement comes after Kenney’s three-week vacation, after which he returned to a government demanding new restrictions and a vaccine passport.

On September 1, Kenney made his first appearance since returning — though it was not a public one. While answering questions on Facebook Live, Kenney said, “[More] lockdowns? No. I think the trick is to get more people vaccinated. That is the alternative to lockdowns.”

He then said lockdowns would be the last resort and that if the healthcare system is in danger, Alberta’s government may take “some very targeted actions.”

“We may have to take other measures to encourage people, the unvaccinated, to ensure they are not putting themselves in a position where they’re transmitting,” Kenney said.

Kenney’s decision to take said “very targeted actions” likely is due to political pressure.

Yesterday, Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley — amongst a litany of others — took aim at Kenney, demanding Alberta implement vaccine passports and develop a QR code vaccine passport system, as well as vaccine and mask mandates for both workers and customers.

“Vaccine verification is coming to Alberta whether Jason Kenney likes it or not,” Notley said Thursday. “The UCP must follow other provinces and step up.

“By providing Albertans with easy and secure access to their immunization records while establishing a verification standard for public settings, Albertans who are vaccinated can protect their neighbours and continue to do the things they love to do.”

While Kenney has yet to go full Doug Ford and implement a vaccine passport when he promised he would not, his decision to impose restrictions as soon as he returned to office will be highly troubling for freedom-loving Albertans.

Support our work

Share this story

Donate now to keep us on the front lines:

Help Keep your News Free

It's crucial we stay in touch

Big Tech wants to censor us, that’s why you need to stay in touch.

[wpp limit=6 order_by='views']

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE...

Trending News

Canada’s most recent COVID update shows that 80% of Canadians have yet to receive a COVID vaccine in the last six months.

Mike Campbell

November 25, 2022

Trending News

On the final day of the Public Order Emergency Commission, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unironically said he invoked the Emergencies Act to prevent a grandmother from being run over by a truck — apparently forgetting that mounted police acting under powers granted by the act trampled an elderly lady. 

TCS Wire

November 25, 2022

Trending News

Organizers of the trucker convoy’s GoFundMe have updated the fundraiser, stating the protest is to be absolutely peaceful and adding cautionary rules for protesters to take, so that bad state actors don’t dupe them.

TCS Wire

January 28, 2022

Trending News

In response to the media and Trudeau’s disparaging comments suggesting anyone in favour of the trucker convoy and against vaccine mandates are somehow racist or a “fringe minority,” several non-white Canadians have come out with a message for the Prime Minister.

TCS Wire

January 28, 2022

Trending News

An internal document acquired by The Counter Signal reveals emergency protest procedures to be taken as the convoy arrives in Ottawa, including what to do if anti-mandate protesters were to storm parliament and occupy the government.

TCS Wire

January 28, 2022

Trending News

After weeks of near-total silence, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole is finally throwing his support behind truckers and other Canadians fighting for their rights and freedoms. Better late than never.

TCS Wire

January 27, 2022

Want to join the conversation?

Sign up now to be able to like, comment and reply to other members. A full membership to our site includes:

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website.