I want to start by thanking all of those who attended my virtual townhall on March 16th. I appreciated you taking the time to engage and ask questions that have been on your mind. Questions ranged from the COVID reopening plan, our government’s top three priorities for the year, initiatives to create jobs, funding for post-secondary education and developing our resources responsibly while also protecting our environment. For those of you who were not able to attend you can watch the full townhall here.
I have been hearing from constituents this past week about our government’s decision to not move into Step 3 of our reopening plan. I can understand how frustrating this has been and the mental toll this has taken on so many. I would like to take a moment to explain why our government made the decision to continue to remain in Step 2.
When we announced our reopening plan we were clear when we set out the plan: hospitalizations must be lower than 300 and declining before we move into Step 3. Our hospitalization rates as of March 25, 2021 were 294 and rising.
We have heard from Albertans that the roller coaster of easing and tightening restrictions is not what you want. This is why we have decided not to move to Step 3 of our Path Forward. Despite this, Alberta is much more open than other jurisdictions, including BC, Ontario and Quebec.
Our government feels this is the safe, smart move for Alberta, and absolutely necessary recognizing the risk of a third wave and the fact that due to supply, we do not have enough vaccinations yet to protect the most vulnerable. Almost half of our hospitalizations and nearly 90 per cent of those in ICU are under 65 and have not yet been vaccinated. Although these individuals will be the next phase of the vaccination plan, we are not there yet. I encourage you to review updates on our vaccine rollout plan below.
In this edition you will also read about ongoing efforts for our economic recovery plan, updates from the legislature and government announcements, including exciting updates about the Calgary Cancer Centre.
As always, if you have questions or would like to share your feedback please reach out to my office at http://calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca.
Sincerely,
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 vaccination program
This week we hit a milestone with over half a million Albertans receiving their vaccine. Phase 2A of the vaccine rollout continues with bookings being made for those born between 1947 and 1956. The AstraZeneca vaccine was administered to over 58,500 Albertans between the ages of 50-64; unfortunately appointments for this vaccine are no longer available as there is no further supply at this time.
Physicians to administer vaccines
With the vaccination supply expected to increase, the Alberta Government is working with the AMA, through AHS, on having physicians administering the COVID-19 vaccines. This announcement has resulted in more than 500 expressions of interest from Alberta physicians and clinics. It is anticipated that this combined with physician clinics will create an additional capacity for an estimated 14,000 daily doses.
The first community physicians are expected to begin administering vaccines in their clinics in April.
More pharmacies taking vaccine appointments
The number of pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine is doubling as well, with 259 pharmacies in 107 communities able to administer the vaccine. As more doses arrive, the number of participating pharmacies will keep increasing, with up to 500 locations booking appointments by early April.
You can find a participating pharmacy here.
How to book:
If you are an isolated senior or have mobility challenges please call 211 for assistance in finding a ride to your appointment.
Rapid testing expansion in Alberta
At least two million rapid tests will be available for businesses and sectors in Alberta. This follows the successful rollout of more than 1.2 million rapid tests to long-term care facilities, schools, outbreak sites, hospitals, homeless shelters and industries across the province.
Any employer or service provider in Alberta can apply for the free rapid tests. To be eligible for rapid testing kits, employers and service providers must submit a screening program plan that outlines:
- protocols for administering the tests
- the use of personal protective equipment
- processes for reporting results and managing individuals who screen positive.
A health-care provider is required to oversee the organization’s screening program. However, the tests can be administered by a trained layperson, and self-administration is permissible under certain conditions.
While anyone can apply, Alberta’s government will prioritize businesses or organizations involved with vulnerable populations, high-risk settings and workplaces, first responders, essential services and critical industry, and sectors that support the reopening of economic and social activities.
Apply to rapid testing program
COVID-19 vaccination program
This week we hit a milestone with over half a million Albertans receiving their vaccine. Phase 2A of the vaccine rollout continues with bookings being made for those born between 1947 and 1956. The AstraZeneca vaccine was administered to over 58,500 Albertans between the ages of 50-64; unfortunately appointments for this vaccine are no longer available as there is no further supply at this time.
Physicians to administer vaccines
With the vaccination supply expected to increase, the Alberta Government is working with the AMA, through AHS, on having physicians administering the COVID-19 vaccines. This announcement has resulted in more than 500 expressions of interest from Alberta physicians and clinics. It is anticipated that this combined with physician clinics will create an additional capacity for an estimated 14,000 daily doses.
The first community physicians are expected to begin administering vaccines in their clinics in April.
More pharmacies taking vaccine appointments
The number of pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine is doubling as well, with 259 pharmacies in 107 communities able to administer the vaccine. As more doses arrive, the number of participating pharmacies will keep increasing, with up to 500 locations booking appointments by early April.
You can find a participating pharmacy here.
How to book:
If you are an isolated senior or have mobility challenges please call 211 for assistance in finding a ride to your appointment.
Rapid testing expansion in Alberta
At least two million rapid tests will be available for businesses and sectors in Alberta. This follows the successful rollout of more than 1.2 million rapid tests to long-term care facilities, schools, outbreak sites, hospitals, homeless shelters and industries across the province.
Any employer or service provider in Alberta can apply for the free rapid tests. To be eligible for rapid testing kits, employers and service providers must submit a screening program plan that outlines:
- protocols for administering the tests
- the use of personal protective equipment
- processes for reporting results and managing individuals who screen positive.
A health-care provider is required to oversee the organization’s screening program. However, the tests can be administered by a trained layperson, and self-administration is permissible under certain conditions.
While anyone can apply, Alberta’s government will prioritize businesses or organizations involved with vulnerable populations, high-risk settings and workplaces, first responders, essential services and critical industry, and sectors that support the reopening of economic and social activities.
Apply to rapid testing program
COVID-19 vaccination program
This week we hit a milestone with over half a million Albertans receiving their vaccine. Phase 2A of the vaccine rollout continues with bookings being made for those born between 1947 and 1956. The AstraZeneca vaccine was administered to over 58,500 Albertans between the ages of 50-64; unfortunately appointments for this vaccine are no longer available as there is no further supply at this time.
Physicians to administer vaccines
With the vaccination supply expected to increase, the Alberta Government is working with the AMA, through AHS, on having physicians administering the COVID-19 vaccines. This announcement has resulted in more than 500 expressions of interest from Alberta physicians and clinics. It is anticipated that this combined with physician clinics will create an additional capacity for an estimated 14,000 daily doses.
The first community physicians are expected to begin administering vaccines in their clinics in April.
More pharmacies taking vaccine appointments
The number of pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine is doubling as well, with 259 pharmacies in 107 communities able to administer the vaccine. As more doses arrive, the number of participating pharmacies will keep increasing, with up to 500 locations booking appointments by early April.
You can find a participating pharmacy here.
How to book:
If you are an isolated senior or have mobility challenges please call 211 for assistance in finding a ride to your appointment.
Rapid testing expansion in Alberta
At least two million rapid tests will be available for businesses and sectors in Alberta. This follows the successful rollout of more than 1.2 million rapid tests to long-term care facilities, schools, outbreak sites, hospitals, homeless shelters and industries across the province.
Any employer or service provider in Alberta can apply for the free rapid tests. To be eligible for rapid testing kits, employers and service providers must submit a screening program plan that outlines:
- protocols for administering the tests
- the use of personal protective equipment
- processes for reporting results and managing individuals who screen positive.
A health-care provider is required to oversee the organization’s screening program. However, the tests can be administered by a trained layperson, and self-administration is permissible under certain conditions.
While anyone can apply, Alberta’s government will prioritize businesses or organizations involved with vulnerable populations, high-risk settings and workplaces, first responders, essential services and critical industry, and sectors that support the reopening of economic and social activities.
Apply to rapid testing program
COVID-19 vaccination program
This week we hit a milestone with over half a million Albertans receiving their vaccine. Phase 2A of the vaccine rollout continues with bookings being made for those born between 1947 and 1956. The AstraZeneca vaccine was administered to over 58,500 Albertans between the ages of 50-64; unfortunately appointments for this vaccine are no longer available as there is no further supply at this time.
Physicians to administer vaccines
With the vaccination supply expected to increase, the Alberta Government is working with the AMA, through AHS, on having physicians administering the COVID-19 vaccines. This announcement has resulted in more than 500 expressions of interest from Alberta physicians and clinics. It is anticipated that this combined with physician clinics will create an additional capacity for an estimated 14,000 daily doses.
The first community physicians are expected to begin administering vaccines in their clinics in April.
More pharmacies taking vaccine appointments
The number of pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine is doubling as well, with 259 pharmacies in 107 communities able to administer the vaccine. As more doses arrive, the number of participating pharmacies will keep increasing, with up to 500 locations booking appointments by early April.
You can find a participating pharmacy here.
How to book:
If you are an isolated senior or have mobility challenges please call 211 for assistance in finding a ride to your appointment.
Rapid testing expansion in Alberta
At least two million rapid tests will be available for businesses and sectors in Alberta. This follows the successful rollout of more than 1.2 million rapid tests to long-term care facilities, schools, outbreak sites, hospitals, homeless shelters and industries across the province.
Any employer or service provider in Alberta can apply for the free rapid tests. To be eligible for rapid testing kits, employers and service providers must submit a screening program plan that outlines:
- protocols for administering the tests
- the use of personal protective equipment
- processes for reporting results and managing individuals who screen positive.
A health-care provider is required to oversee the organization’s screening program. However, the tests can be administered by a trained layperson, and self-administration is permissible under certain conditions.
While anyone can apply, Alberta’s government will prioritize businesses or organizations involved with vulnerable populations, high-risk settings and workplaces, first responders, essential services and critical industry, and sectors that support the reopening of economic and social activities.
Apply to rapid testing program
Government Updates
Alberta’s economic recovery plan
Alberta saw a record-shattering year for venture capital in 2020 according to the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association annual report. There has been momentum in the tech and innovation space here in our province with announcements of Symend, Neo Financial and Jobber raising record amounts of money. This will help drive innovation, grow our tech sector and get Albertans back to work. Improving access to MRIs and CT scans
Budget 2021 commits $33 million in funding to reduce wait times for Albertans needing CT scans and MRIs in public hospitals.
With the demand for CT scans and MRIs increasing annually, this funding will reduce wait times to ensure that by 2023 all Albertans have their CT scans and MRIs done within appropriate wait times recommended by medical experts.
Alberta Health and AHS have developed this aggressive CT and MRI Action Plan to address long wait times, which peaked in 2019-2020, and to decrease costs, better manage demand to reduce unnecessary tests, and to make sure people who most need the tests for treatment decisions will the scans sooner.
You can read the full Diagnostic Imaging, CT and MRI Implementation Plan here.
Taking action on consumer waste and creating jobs
Alberta’s government is seeking ways to better manage this waste through a circular economy approach –an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program that will reduce volume in our landfills and diversify the economy. Under this approach, the cost and management of recycling shifts from municipalities and municipal taxpayers to those directly producing and consuming goods, encouraging companies to produce less waste and packaging and come up with innovative ways to recycle more materials.
Currently, Alberta’s recycling activities support a total of 7,500 jobs while the sector contributes about $132 million a year to provincial gross domestic product. A shift to extended producer responsibility will increase the provincial GDP share to more than $148 million. The change would also cut emissions by an estimated 72,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, or the equivalent of taking 120,300 passenger cars off the road each year.
Government is asking for public consultations on this program which is now open until April 30th.
Federal recognition of Alberta’s caribou recovery efforts
The federal government has formally acknowledged Alberta’s strong made-in-Alberta caribou recovery plan and confirmed there will be no Emergency Protection Order in Alberta for southern mountain caribou.
This recognition is one more reason Alberta is a world class leader in responsible resource development. Our government’s sub-regional planning process will find the right balance between protecting both southern mountain and boreal caribou herds, while maintaining local industry and jobs.
It is critical that caribou recovery plans reflect the needs of people and wildlife — each region is distinct with specific geography and land-use activities. Our government is committed to maintaining multi-use landscapes across the province, allowing for conservation activities, industry, recreation, Indigenous traditional practices and other activities. Alberta will develop 11 made-in-Alberta sub-regional plans by the end of 2025 in order to better protect our native caribou and ensure a future for our forestry and oil and gas industries in the region.
Digital Overdose Response System (DORS) and app soon available in Alberta
Alberta’s government will be testing a new Digital Overdose Response System (DORS). The mobile app will help protect people using opioids and other substances while alone in their homes.
Albertans using substances alone can utilize DORS, which will trigger a call from the STARS emergency centre if the individual becomes unresponsive to a timer. Emergency response will be dispatched to their location in the event of presumed overdose. The app will also provide information about recovery-oriented supports and services available in the area to ensure people have the information they need on their journey to recovery.
The system will begin testing in Calgary this summer and is expected to expand to other communities next year after the testing phase is complete. Our government remains committed to creating a world-class addiction and mental health system, spanning from prevention, to early intervention, to treatment and recovery.
You can read more information here.
In Our Community
Calgary Cancer Centre update
Great progress is being made on the Calgary Cancer Centre. Recently a major construction milestone was achieved, when the project crew safely lifted and installed a large span of the 400 metre connector joining the Calgary Cancer Centre to the rest of the Foothills hospital. Approximately 1000 people are working on site every day, and construction will continue until late 2022. This facility will be truly world class and provide quality cancer care and support for Albertans.
Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation – Build Them Up Campaign
Now, more than ever, conversations about maintaining and promoting mental health and wellbeing for our kids and teens are critically important. The work being done by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and through their Build Them Up Campaign is supporting vital programs to help our young people and their families in our community, schools and front-line clinics.
To learn more about the campaign or to make a donation please go to BUILD THEM UP_Spring 2021 Update
AGAT Labs Foundation
The community of Parkdale is soon to be home to the AGAT Foundation head office which will include a bed and breakfast for families and loved ones coming to Calgary who are receiving medical assistance, intervention or support. I urge you to watch this video of the new home and other initiatives through the AGAT Foundation.
Do you know someone who enhances safety in our communities?
Albertans are encouraged to nominate groups or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to community safety through the Alberta Community Justice Awards. These awards celebrate those who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to working and volunteering in community justice.
Albertans and organizations involved with crime prevention initiatives, youth justice committees, victim services, restorative justice programs and other community-based justice efforts are eligible for nomination.
Albertans can submit award nominations in five categories:
- leadership
- innovation
- service enhancement
- community mobilization
- partnerships and collaboration
To nominate a community leader or organization, submit a nomination by noon on April 16, 2021.
I want your feedback. Please take a moment to answer the following question.
Do you agree that our government made the right decision to stay in Step 2 of the COVID reopening plan to ensure we do not put further strain on our health care system?
a/ Yes
b/ No
c/ Not sure
To answer please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WMDHPMJ
Thank you to those who took time to answer the previous survey question:
With over 300,000 vaccinations administered to date are you encouraged by the Government of Alberta’s vaccination rollout plan?
a/ Yes – 73%
b/ No – 27%
