Alberta
An Alternative View of COVID 19 in Alberta
I am Al Poole, retired Site Leader, NOVA Chemicals, Joffre site. Like everyone else, I’ve been overwhelmed with information about Covid 19. It is in my nature to ask questions – and keep asking until I get a satisfactory answer. As a former Site Leader at NOVA Chemicals, Joffre I am aware of what emergency response plans look like. This isn’t it
Why am I doing this?
- I accept that covid may be more contagious than other influenzas and requires thoughtful and well planned interventions to minimize the impact on all citizens (I say “may” as there is considerable disagreement on the PCR test method – even by its founder).. However, I am puzzled as to why the AB government and AHS will not consider the opposing opinions coming from other health and science experts. I suspect the truth is somewhere in the middle. Why are they so reluctant to engage other opinion to ensure we are on a productive path to protect all Albertans. I am surprised at how willingly many Albertans have accepted the ongoing dogma by our government, AHS and the media. Fear factor is something to worry about. I believe it results from sharing inaccurate models and the constant reporting of cases even though we know cases are not harmful to the vast majority of Albertans. Clearly – our media people are caught up in the fear factor. I hope people will read this and begin a process to become more informed on – What is And What isn’t – as it relates to Covid. People need to ask more questions – demand better information.
- Read these articles: one by David Redman on a proper Emergency Response Plan – why ignore it? https://c2cjournal.ca/2020/12/every-store-and-school-should-be-open-confronting-the-pandemic-with-confidence/ Second one – Great Barrington Declaration, written by some smart qualified medical people – why it is simply dismissed? https://gbdeclaration.org/
- See this article on our freedoms and rights in the National Post from Preston Manning https://nationalpost.com/opinion/preston-manning-lockdown-rules-are-violating-our-rights-im-calling-on-the-justice-minister-to-intervene
Remember:
1) At the outset we were alerted to the fact the virus (like flu viruses) is likely to mutate. Now – it has and continues to mutate. Even more concerning is the notion it only happens in other countries and can only enter Canada – versus accepting the mutation can happen here too.
2) Soon after governments accepted Covid was real and in Canada they declared, “we must protect our most vulnerable”. Everyone agreed! It still makes sense as one of the important objectives – but not the only one.
Perspective:
As of Jan 25rd in Alberta (Based on data from Alberta Gov’t interactive web site on Covid):
- Over 95% of people contracting the virus have few to no symptoms;
- Less than 5% are hospitalized;
- Less than a 1% in ICU;
- Average age is 82;
- No one under the age of 20 has died.
Across Canada over 80% of deaths are in Long Term Care Facilities (most vulnerable).
So – how have they done protecting the most vulnerable? They have done a miserable job – and I am not surprised. They were offered an emergency response plan but chose to ignore it. The plan outlined by Mr. Redman is consistent with my Emergency Preparedness and Response training and experience. Further, as soon as you enter the realm of personal protective equipment to protect people from respiratory infection – you are into seriously rigid procedures. I have seen no evidence of meaningful procedures.
Deaths (using 4,400,000 as Alberta population – actual slightly higher):
- Covid deaths (1549): 0.04%
- Annual deaths (from all causes in 2019 – over 26,000): 0 .6%
- Deaths among elderly continue to rise – no surprise as they did not protect most vulnerable.
Age at death (comorbidities a major factor in most of these deaths):
- 80+ – 1030
- 70s – 316
- 60s – 160
- 50s – 50
In summary:
I worry the hype of new strains will lead gov’t to more and longer lockdown restrictions with out any realization these same actions have made it worse for our most vulnerable and have made it worse for so many other Albertans.. A good Emergency Response Plan would have done a better job of protecting our most vulnerable – less deaths – less load on hospitals and much less impact on Alberta citizens and way of life. It is not too late to rethink the covid approach to something more effective in protecting our most vulnerable and getting Alberta citizens and businesses moving back toward normal life and operations.
In closing, Covid has had an impact on us — for two of our three children – have experienced work interruptions. Our oldest is in essential services (Ontario) so continues to work. However, her son, our grandson at 13 is negatively impacted, by isolation and not being in a classroom, during a most important time of his life. Also, I have a 92 year old mom in good mental and physical health – more negatively impacted by isolation. As she said to me this summer, “for heavens sake Allan, I am 92 – what are they thinking”. She was so upset she could not hug two of her children who were allowed a ‘distance visit’.
I am still puzzled and wondering – what are they (gov’t and AHS) trying to protect? Their actions and decisions to date make no sense.
I encourage everyone to become more informed and start asking a lot more questions. We are entitled to better leadership and meaningful information from our government. Here are my questions :
- What is the truth on PCR testing? We want data not just your opinion.
- Why is the death rate so high in LTC – from March 2020 until now?
- Why is most testing related to multiple test for same people – suggests spread is in hot zones (LTC facilities).
- Why are so many business still under lockdown restrictions?
“What are your questions?”
Alberta’s government is engaging with Albertans on increasing speed limits on rural highways.
Starting Nov. 7, Albertans can share their views on modernizing speed limits on divided highways through an online survey running until Dec. 12. The survey will ask how Albertans view raising the speed limit by 10 km/h on various highways from 110 km/h to 120 km/h.
“Alberta’s government is investigating how to safely increase speed limits on divided highways, and if Albertans support increasing speed limits. We are investing more than $1.5 billion this year alone to improve highway safety and upgrade infrastructure across the province. We want Albertans to be able to drive the speed limit that the highways are designed for. Modern vehicles combined with public awareness mean we can explore higher speed limits.”
The survey will provide Albertans with the opportunity to provide input on which highways they would prioritize having a speed limit increase, their views on restricting commercial trucks from using the far-left lane on highways with three or more lanes and any other feedback that would improve driving experiences on provincial highways.
Following a review of the survey results, Alberta’s government plans to conduct a mini-trial of a 120 km/h speed limit to assess the impacts of higher speed limits on divided highways. The trial will include strong monitoring to assess driving behaviour.
Alberta’s government reminds motorists to slow down and drive to the conditions. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions. When roads are wet, icy or when there is reduced visibility, motorists should slow down.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s provincial highway network includes more than 64,000 lane kilometres of highways, about 11,700 lane kilometres of which are divided.
- The posted speed limits of Alberta’s divided highways range from 100 to 110 km/h, although the posted speed limits on segments passing through cities, towns and First Nation lands can be as low as 50 km/h due to factors such as signalized intersections, pedestrians and local access.
Related information
- The survey is available online.
A new Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee has been struck to address classroom challenges.
Taking action on class size and complexity
Classrooms in Alberta continue to grow and are becoming increasingly complex, and immediate action is needed to address these issues in the public education system. To meet these issues head on, the Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee has been created. The cabinet committee will help guide government policy and deploy resources to deal with class sizes and classroom complexity.
“We are committed to providing world-class education, and we’re building schools and funding education at a rate unprecedented in this province. This committee will help us address the concerns of teachers, parents and students around class sizes and complexity.”
Throughout November, Alberta’s government will continue work with school boards to collect data on class sizes and classroom composition. The cabinet committee will use this data to direct resources to the classrooms that need it the most. Starting in January, this data will be made available and released annually.
The Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee will be co-chaired by the Premier of Alberta and the Minister of Education and Childcare. It will also include non-voting members representing school boards, administrators and a teacher representative of the ATA. The committee will also hear from school boards, academic experts, teachers, educational assistants, complex needs specialists and parents to inform its decisions and guide this vital work.
“We heard teacher concerns, and we are providing solutions. The Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee will help us take immediate action and ensure teachers and students are given the support they need to succeed.”
In June 2025, Alberta’s government established the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team to provide advice on addressing classroom complexity. The report has been received and will be released soon. Over the coming months, the cabinet committee will start rolling out solutions informed by the action team’s recommendations. In addition, the committee will guide the creation of a new inclusive education policy framework.
“The work of this committee will support teachers in responding to the growing complexity in our classrooms. We will ensure that the voices of the contributors to the initial work guide
solutions that truly improve the educational experience for students and the educators who serve them.”
“I appreciate the government’s recognition of the impact of classroom complexity and their commitment to working collaboratively for improvement. Supporting teachers ultimately improves classroom conditions and student outcomes.”
Using data collected, this cabinet committee will also guide Alberta’s government in executing its commitment to hire 3,000 new teachers and 1,500 new educational assistants over the next three years. They will also assist in identifying and prioritizing where new schools and modulars should be built, advancing the government’s commitment to invest $8.6 billion to build 130 new schools, and provide 109 modular classrooms in the growing communities that need them urgently.
Quick facts
- Members of the Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee include:
- Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta
- Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
- Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services
- Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
- Searle Turton, Minister of Child and Family Services
- Lynnette Anderson, chief superintendent, Edmonton Catholic Schools
- Nicole Buchanan, chair, Red Deer Public Schools
- Marilyn Dennis, former president of Alberta School Boards Association
- Mike McMann, superintendent, Fort Vermilion Schools and President, College of Alberta School Superintendents
- Joanne Pitman, chief superintendent, Calgary Board of Education
- Dr. Elissa Corsi, Alberta Teachers’ Association
- Only Cabinet members are voting members. Additional guests will be invited to attend and share their expertise at the discretion of the chairs.
- School boards will be required to submit data on Alberta classrooms by Nov. 24.
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