COVID and the role of the city

We have all watched in amazement and horror as Jason Kenney’s UCP government has struggled to respond to COVID-19. There is little doubt Kenney’s inability to move quickly made this 4th wave worse than it needed to be, and pushed our healthcare system to the brink of collapse. 

In the absence of leadership from the province, the City of Edmonton has a role to step in and protect residents, businesses and the economy. We only have to look at the decision of the City of Calgary’s council to implement a mandatory vaccine passport system in that city to see municipalities filling the gaps created by the province.

I’ve always been a supporter of public health measures to respond to COVID. In my role as Trustee with Edmonton Public Schools, I’ve advocated for the pandemic support needed to prevent the spread of the virus and take care of the families and those most affected. 

While the responsibility and the blame rests squarely with the provincial UCP government for this catastrophe, as your city councillor I would ensure I am just as animated a defender for the public health of Edmonton as I was as your school trustee. 

• On September 16th, I contributed with my Trustee colleagues towards a letter requesting the reinstatement of Test, Trace, and Isolation measures cut by the UCP. (https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/edmonton-public-calls-for-alberta-government-to-reinstate-contact-tracing-as-schools-grapple-with-covid-19-cases)
• I’ve supported covid re-entry measures for students, staff, and families that put health first.
• I’ve supported and advocated for vaccines and masking.
• I’ve spoke at protests and organized letter writing and advocacy with parents against the Ministry

When the provincial government lacks the courage to step up and act, the City of Edmonton can be the voice of reason in advocating for working sick days, mental health support, and the protection of front line workers. We have a responsibility to implement measures that support our families and that’s what I will do as your City Councillor. We can echo the stand of doctors calling for a firebreak, and we can work hard to push for more resources for classrooms and city facilities.

City council has a role to play pushing the Kenney government into action. If elected, I’ll make sure we play it.