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Alberta

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

Published

6 years ago

8 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.

YouTuber Japanese Creations offers how-to make face masks videos and tip for fogged-up glasses. Link Below

It is a culture clash between eastern and western countries. Unlike most 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. Many people find that they are treated as “infected” when they wear a face mask in public. Only time will tell if this Covid- 19 pandemic will change the majority of Canadians opinion people wear masks in public.

In February, China’s state media site posted a very strong opinion piece entitled, “Refusing Mask Wearing In Public Is A Threat To Civilization.”

Also 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. Gao is the director-general of the  Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “This virus is transmitted by droplets and close contact.

George Gao

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 lock-downs.

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.

Making homemade masks can be a fun family craft time. If you are of age, you can even toast a glass of wine to celebrate a good job. Make extras so you can change them up, give to friends or even donate them to those in need.

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 face masks. 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. Youtuber Danysska from the Czech republic has a very easy “How To” do instructions on how to make a cloth mask with no sewing.
  2. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has a web page with easy instructions on how to make 3-different masks, one needs a sewing machine and two do not.
  3. With 1.5+ million views already. Japanese Creations on YouTube has two great how to videos. The second one has good tips to help glasses from fogging up, amazing what a small piece of tinfoil can do. Both do not need for a sewing machine. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyxl_I7lKw-bjUz3ECa_jwg
  4. The Surgeon General for the US, Dr. Jerome Adam has an easy to follow how to make a face mask video, with-out a sewing machine.
  5. From prixprix on Instructables.com with a step by step photo instructions on how to make face mask out of an old T-shirt, no sewing machine required.
  6. With over 1.9+ million views, HomeMadeOnOurHomestead, has a good how to sew a reusable face mask with a filter pocket.
  7.  1.6+ million views and counting, Thoughtful Creativity, has a tutorial on how to make cloth face masks in a batches using a sewing machine.
  8. Not wanting to be outdone with 1.8+ million views, Kim’s Kitchen Affair, and her DIY how to sew a reusable pleated face mask with nose bridge and filter pockets in just 5 Minutes. Some sewing skills required!

Click here to read more on Todayville Edmonton.

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Alberta

Tell the Province what you think about 120 km/h speed limit on divided highways

Published on November 7, 2025

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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.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

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.
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Alberta

Alberta Announces Members of Class Size and Complexity Committee

Published on November 7, 2025

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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.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

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.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

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.”

Lynnette Anderson, chief superintendent, Edmonton Catholic Schools

“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.”

Joanne Pitman, chief superintendent, Calgary Board of Education

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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