(Edmonton, AB): Today, Spruce Grove-Stony Plain MLA Searle Turton called out the Notley NDP for repeatedly expressing unscientific opposition to Alberta’s reopening plan in an effort to sow fear and division in Albertans.
Thanks to the diligence of Albertans, the province is now less than two weeks away from lifting health restrictions under the Open for Summer plan, which has been endorsed by Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw. This good news has been met with an onslaught of fearmongering from the Notley NDP, including NDP Leader Rachel Notley telling Edmonton radio personality Shaye Ganam that Alberta should be locked down until at least September and Calgary-Mountain View MLA Kathleen Ganley Tweeting that Canada Day is too early to permit “family dinners,” “small gatherings of friends” and “swimming lessons”.
“The politically charged opposition we are witnessing from the Notley NDP is an insult to every Albertan who has had their life upended by this pandemic and who has made sacrifices to make it possible for our province to safely and fully reopen on July 1,” Turton said. “Albertans have done their part and as a result case numbers are plummeting. This is great news and something we should all be celebrating.”
Turton said the province’s reopening plan is evidence-based and has a higher threshold for vaccinations than the British Columbia plan – crafted by an NDP government. He said the Notley NDP should cease their baseless attacks as the province prepares to reopen for Canada Day celebrations, barbeques, football games, road trips and the Calgary Stampede, among other things.
“Albertans recognize the triumph of this moment and are ready to move forward to a full reopening,” Turton said. “We wish the Notley NDP would join us in celebrating the grand reopening of Alberta, but it is clear they won’t. The least they can do, however, is stop spreading fear. This is a great moment in Alberta history and Albertans deserve to celebrate it.”
