MLAs downplay party divisions over public health restrictions
By Tim Kalinowski on April 15, 2021.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDtkalinowski@lethbridgeherald.com Local United Conservative Party MLAs are downplaying divisions within the party after 15 members signed a letter of protest over the decision to return to Phase One public health restrictions last week, and two others publicly voiced their opposition later– suggesting a growing rift in the governing party.Livingstone-Macleod MLA Roger Reid was one of those who signed the letter. In a statement released to the public, Reid attempted to clarify his reasons for doing so.
“I signed the letter because I believe it is time to drastically expand our focus on the impact of COVID on the lives of Albertans,” Reid states in part. “The introduction of the vaccines has significantly reduced both hospitalizations and deaths among the most adversely impacted by the virus. While we have seen an impact on our health care system, numbers show those in ICU were lower in 2020 than in previous years.
“I know there will be those who are concerned with my stance,” he later adds. “I am not denying the virus, I am not denying the science, I am not denying the efficacy of the public health orders. It is my privilege to be able to raise the concerns of my constituents and to voice those concerns freely to the Government.”
He says his reasons for signing the letter were out of concern for the impacts of the public health restrictions on businesses in his riding.
“These have been difficult days for all of us, but the Government should not be adding to that difficulty,” he states. “As we move forward, I will continue to advocate for a balanced approach to move through this pandemic. I will continue to seek out solutions to move towards recovery of our mental and financial health. Solutions focused on balancing risks with the resilience of Albertans.”
However, Reid also says he believes by taking this public stance on the issue it just shows there is room for healthy debate within the UCP on the issue, and does not represent a vote of confidence in the Premier or provincial health officials.
“I, like many of my colleagues, want to see us get through this crisis,” Reid states. “I know the Premier and those involved in both the Emergency Management Cabinet Committee (EMCC) and the Priorities Implementation Cabinet Committee (PICC) have never taken their decisions lightly. In reality, there have been days where I know the only choice they had is which option is “less bad”. I am personally grateful for the work they have done to protect lives and livelihoods.”
Cardston-Siksika MLA Joseph Schow chose not to sign the protest letter.
Schow said he too has been listening to his constituents, and they have a different opinion on the necessity of public health restrictions. But he also downplayed divisions within the party over the issue in a statement released to The Herald on Tuesday– calling it “robust debate” instead of what some have characterized as a “backbench revolt” with the UCP over public health restrictions.
“I’ve been talking with a lot of constituents about this matter,” Schow says. “Alberta is (a) diverse province, and that includes a diversity of opinion. There’s nothing wrong with robust debate. Ultimately, the majority of the feedback I’ve heard is from people who want to see reasonable health measures that protect mental health, human life and that minimize impact on business. As the representative for Cardston-Siksika, I will continue to advocate on behalf of all my constituents.”
Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf also defended the government’s position on the necessity of renewed public health restrictions given rising local COVID numbers. However, Neudorf said the UCP and the Premier have always welcomed diverse opinions amongst elected members.
“I appreciate that the Premier has always welcomed debate and a diversity of views within our caucus,” Neudorf confirms. “Much like all of you, I am tired of these restrictions and wish we could get back to a life without them. As a previous business owner, I understand how difficult this pandemic has been. I have so much respect for everyone who has worked tirelessly to adapt their businesses and lives to these restrictions.”
Neudorf goes on to state, in his view, the return to Phase One restrictions are vital to bringing local COVID numbers down until more widespread vaccination is available.w”As challenging as these restrictions are, as cases of COVID and variants rise again, I believe we need reasonable measures to keep our communities safe and limit future infection until we can get more vaccines distributed,” he says. “Until then, I am happy to see a new caucus working group is being formed to work with Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, on addressing reopening plans. I hope that this group can help direct some of the recent concerns into constructive measures to get us through these challenging and hopefully final weeks of the pandemic.”
There are currently 62 elected UCP members in the Alberta Legislature, 24 NDP MLAs and one independent. Follow @@TimKalHerald on Twitter 4
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