Local MLAs back plan for reopening

By ALEX McCUAIG Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on May 27, 2021.

The city and region’s two MLAs are backing the government’s three-stage reopening plan that could see the Hat return to a near back-to-normal situation for the first time in over a year.

“The best thing that could happen is that all Albertans can enjoy this summer,” said Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA Michaela Glasgo.

But that plan depends on Albertans getting vaccinated, something Premier Jason Kenney along with Health Minister Tyler Shandro and Minister of Jobs and Economy Doug Schweitzer gave a hard sell to Albertans during Wednesday’s announcement.

“That’s because the vaccine is working,” said Glasgo, adding the faster Hatters get their shot, things can get back to normal sooner.

Medicine Hat has been leading southeastern Alberta in vaccinations with more than 52 per cent having received their first shots, with the push on to hit the 70 per cent province-wide threshold for a near-complete lifting of restrictions by July.

Vaccination rates in neighbouring rural areas aren’t so high with Forty Mile County reporting one of the lowest numbers in the province with a little more than 24 per cent of the population vaccinated. Newell County along with Acadia Valley and Special Areas 3 are all hovering around 38 per cent.

As for Glasgo’s earlier calls for a regional approach to dealing with restrictions, she stressed Wednesday the current plan will see all Albertans enjoy a restriction-free summer.

That position was shared by Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes.

“At this point, let’s just move through this month,” said Barnes on Wednesday.

But he did have some reservations.

“I’m pleased with that plan as long as the premier and cabinet do it,” he said Wednesday. “As long as he doesn’t move the goalposts, I’m satisfied with this plan.”

Barnes says the reopening will allow the economy to recover, families to get together and the region’s spiritual community to reconnect.

As for the activity Barnes says he is looking most forward to resuming once restrictions are lifted, “old-timer hockey,” he said, adding the last time he laced up and hit the ice was over a year ago.

For Glasgo, she’s looking forward to being able to attend local Canada Day events and the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.