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Alberta

Albertans encouraged to wear cloth masks in public: easy tips and links on “How To” make your own

Published

5 years ago

7 minute read

It is not the law, but Canada and Alberta have agreed with the idea that wearing a homemade cloth mask might help in the spreading the coronavirus, especially when it is hard to maintain the 2-metre physical distancing when in public.

Remember that the medical grade masks are for front-line care workers, medical staff and first responders. Photo/CANADIAN PRESS

Unlike many Asian countries where a lot of the population regularly wear masks in public, in Western counties wearing a mask in public is not as easily accepted by the majority of the population. One unproven theory is that images of the face masks, conjure up ideas of the bad guys, bank robbers, the wild west’s banditos all wear cloth face covers.

Not pulling any punches, virologist and immunologist, George Gao told ScienceMagazine.org, “The big mistake in the U.S. and Europe – is that people aren’t wearing masks.”

George Gao

Gao is the director-general of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “This virus is transmitted by droplets and close contact. You’ve got to wear a mask, because when you speak, there are always droplets coming out of your mouth – masks, can prevent droplets that carry the virus from escaping and infecting others.” Across Asian countries the populations are onboard that, “there are an unknown number of people that are asystematic, carrying the coronavirus and they do not even know it.” So, in the spirit of a country’s solidarity, “there is a need to protect others from yourself.”

In recent weeks countries have seen the stats and cannot ignore the lower numbers of infected in mask wearing countries like, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, the region of Hong Kong and China has also now flatted the curve and have loosed up on the city military lockdowns.

Recently passing laws that make it mandatory to wear a face mask in public are the Czech, Slovakia, Indonesia and the Philippines. On April 3rd, US President Donald Trump, announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending, on a voluntary basis, that Americans wear “non-medical cloth” face coverings.

In Canada Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam has changed her view and is now saying, “Wearing a non-medical mask, even if you have no symptoms, is an additional measure that you can take to protect others around you in situations where physical distancing is difficult to maintain, such as in public transit or maybe in the grocery store.”

In Alberta, the view has also changed on the general public wearing mask in public. Leading off with the premier Kenney, who has seen countries that have been successful in keeping the transmission of COVID-19 down, have all had widespread use of facemasks. Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said at a press conference, “What we know is that people who are sick spread illness – wearing a non-medical mask, such as a homemade cloth mask, has not been proven to protect the person who is wearing it,” but added, “However, it may be helpful in protecting others around you.”

The Alberta government wants people to follow these rules, even when wearing face coverings in public.

  • Continue to follow all other public health guidance (staying two metres away from others, wash hands regularly, stay home when sick).
  • Avoid touching your face and mask while using it.
  • Wash hands before putting on a mask, then before and after removing it.
  • Clean a cloth mask as soon as it gets damp or soiled.
  • Put it directly in the washing machine or a sealed bag that can be emptied into the washing machine and then be disposed of.
  • Cloth masks can be laundered with other items using a hot cycle, then dried in the dryer at the highest temperature setting.
  • Medical masks can’t be washed and should be discarded and replaced as soon as they get damp, soiled or crumpled.
  • Dispose of these masks in a lined garbage bin.
  • Do not share masks with others.

There are many online resources where you can easily make a cloth mask with or without a sewing machine.

  1. CDC has a page with easy instructions; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
  2. Japanese Creations on YouTube has two great “How To” videos. One has 1.5+ million views already. The second one has good tips to help glasses from fogging up, using some tin foil and a piece of tissue. Both without the need for a sewing machine. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyxl_I7lKw-bjUz3ECa_jwg
  3. Youtuber Danysska from the Czech republic has a very easy how to do instructions on how to make a cloth mask with no sewing; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMwkTLGONOg
  4. The Surgeon General for the US, Dr. Jerome Adam has an easy to follow “how-to” video on how to make a face mask, with-out a sewing machine.
  5. With over 1.7+ million views, HomeMadeOnOurHomestead, has a good how to sew a reusable face mask with a filter pocket; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm_NmpdgWWA
  6. Thoughtful Creativity 1.5+ million views on her tutorial on how to make cloth face masks in a batches using a sewing machine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW1TCQDN4do
  7. Kim’s Kitchen Affair has over 1.4+ million views on her DIY on how to sew a reusable pleated face mask with nose bridge and Filter Pockets in just 5 Minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K4dH3-LHLQ
  8. From prixprix on com by step with photo instructions on a, No-Sew T-shirt Face Mask www.instructables.com/id/No-Sew-T-shirt-Face-Mask/

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Alberta

Premier Danielle Smith In Washington for Trump Inauguration Promoting a New Era of Partnership with the U.S.

Published on January 19, 2025

By

Premier Smith at dinner with Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott.  Facebook  

Premier Danielle Smith will travel to Washington, D.C. to solidify Alberta as the answer to North American energy, food and data security during the week of President-elect Trump’s inauguration.

While in the U.S. capital from Jan. 18 to 23, Premier Smith will meet with key decision makers, governors, members of Congress and private sector leaders. Alberta’s on-the-ground presence will help build relationships and start critical conversations that will lay the groundwork for collaboration with the new U.S. administration and reap benefits for Albertans, Canadians and Americans.

Premier Smith will champion Alberta as the largest exporter of oil and gas to the U.S. and highlight the unprecedented opportunity that lies ahead for Alberta to work collaboratively with the new administration to develop secure supply chains and strengthen energy security for the U.S. and Canada. Alberta’s approximately USD $100 billion in energy exports to the U.S. are upgraded into USD $300 billion in value-added products by American workers at refineries in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and other states, and then sold by American companies all over the world.

“Given the serious threats of tariffs, it is imperative that we do everything we can to engage directly with the incoming administration, members of Congress and key officials to emphasize Alberta’s critical role in North American energy security and economic prosperity. In all my meetings and events in Washington, D.C. I will work to ensure Alberta is recognized as a partner of choice for establishing North American energy security, to reinforce our century-long friendship and to further solidify our trade relationship that greatly benefits both Americans and Canadians.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

This visit will build on the Premier’s previous discussions with the President-elect, key members of his cabinet and other elected officials. With the ongoing threat of tariffs on all Canadian products, including those from Alberta’s leading industries, meeting with officials face-to-face is crucial. This work is a continuation of the efforts that were discussed by all Premiers to do all they could to build bridges with the U.S.

Conversations will also focus on highlighting the deep economic ties that underpin our economies and how they contribute to creating jobs and prosperity on both sides of the border in industries like energy, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing and technology.

Premier Smith will travel with five staff members. Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

Quick facts

  • The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner and Alberta is the second-largest provincial exporter to the U.S.
  • In 2023, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled USD $115.58 billion, accounting for about 90 per cent of total provincial exports in 2023.
    • Energy products accounted for about USD $94.4 billion, or 82 per cent, of the province’s exports to the U.S.
    • Other important export sectors included plastics, forestry, meat and machinery.
  • Alberta’s government has also launched the Alberta is the Answer campaign, a targeted advertisement campaign focused on reaching key decision makers in the U.S. and amplifying Alberta’s message on the energy partnership it has with the U.S. and how this partnership can grow.

Itinerary for Premier Smith*

Jan. 18
  • Travel to Washington, D.C.
  • Engage with key U.S. decision makers at an event hosted by Florida.
Jan. 19
  • Meet with energy sector leaders.
  • Engage with key U.S. decision makers at an event hosted by the Texas State Society.
Jan. 20
  • Attend the presidential inauguration on Capitol Hill.
  • Participate in the Inauguration Day event at the Canadian Embassy.
  • Engage with key U.S. decision makers and government officials at a Republican Governors’ Association event and evening reception.
Jan. 21
  • Meetings with U.S. governors and industry leaders.
  • Participate in a round table discussion with thought leaders.
Jan. 22
  • Meetings with key U.S. decision makers and elected officials.
  • Participate in a networking event focused on solutions for responsible energy development.
Jan. 23
  • Travel to Alberta.

Why Alberta?

Alberta is one of the most reliable and secure energy partners for the U.S.

Alberta and the U.S. share the same values – and a border. Alberta is the friendly, freedom-loving democracy right next door.

Alberta has the fourth largest oil reserves on earth, and significant natural gas resources. Alberta already accounts for 56% of all oil imports to the U.S. – twice as much as Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Iraq combined – which is helping to drive job creation and prosperity on both sides of the border. The U.S. must import crude oil in order to refine it and produce light oil, which they export around the world, and Alberta believes that we are a far better trading partner than Iran, Iraq, or Venezuela.

Alberta is also the largest producer of natural gas in Canada and remains positioned to support the U.S. in filling their domestic supply gaps, currently accounting for nearly 60% of U.S. total annual natural gas imports. The reliability and security of those imports cannot be understated.

Furthermore, Alberta has a stronger environmental record, stronger democratic institutions and stronger human rights standards than other energy producers.

This is a win-win relationship. Alberta’s approximately U.S. $100 billion in energy exports to the U.S. is upgraded into U.S. $300 billion in value-added products by American workers at refineries in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and other states, and then sold by American companies all over the world.

More than 450,000 kilometres of pipelines already link Canada and the U.S. – enough to circle the Earth 11 times. The province also has ambitions to double its oil production by 2050, and increase its pipeline capacity significantly. Enabling Alberta to export even more crude oil to the U.S. This will help the U.S. achieve global energy dominance and increase energy affordability for Americans.

Alberta is a global leader in responsible oil and gas production

Alberta is the top foreign supplier of energy products to the United States. Alberta has been a global leader in responsible energy production for decades, leveraging cutting-edge technologies that allow the province to continue increasing production while protecting our air, water, and land for generations to come.

Alberta is unapologetic in its goal to increase oil and gas production to meet the world’s basic needs and maintain the quality of life we all enjoy in North America. The province is doing so responsibly and will continue to lead the way with new technologies that support this ambition.

Reliable Alberta energy will fuel the technologies of the future

As the world becomes increasingly electrified, the need for reliable energy is growing and Alberta has the resources to meet that demand.

The province is home to world-class energy industry leaders with the expertise developers are looking for to find innovative solutions to meet their energy needs. Coupled with Alberta’s competitive power market structure, natural incentives for cost-savings and a government committed to reducing red tape, Alberta is a premier destination for AI data centres.

Alberta’s AI data centre strategy arose from a pressing need for AI data centres in North America – a need that is in fact global. With the rapid growth of AI and machine learning, global demand for data centre capacity is expected to triple by 2031.

Alberta is a trusted and safe partner of the U.S. that has the capacity and resources to support these data centres and ensure that U.S. companies remain on the forefront of AI technology and that the U.S. maintains its technology dominance.

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Alberta

Jasper rebuilding delayed as province waits for federal and local government approvals

Published on January 18, 2025

By

From Jason Nixon, MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre and Alberta’s Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services on X

Alberta’s government immediately took action to support those who lost their homes in the Jasper wildfire. We were on track to deliver 250 homes, but Alberta cannot do this without land. It’s been radio silence from Ottawa since Premier Danielle Smith sent a letter to the Prime Minister nearly a month ago. Read my full statement

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