DIDSBURY - Olds-Didsbury-Hills MLA Nathan Cooper, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon, and Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Devin Dreeshen each say they have now received their first COVID-19 vaccine shots.
The official Opposition is calling on all MLAs to issue a blanket endorsement of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine shots.
“We need full endorsement of these vaccines from all 87 Alberta MLAs, period,” NDP health critic David Shepherd said last week. “We are leaders in our communities. People listen to what we have to say, especially in times of crisis.”
Nixon is the minister of Environment and Parks, Dreeshen is the minister of Agriculture and Forestry, and Cooper is the speaker of the legislature. All are UCP MLAs.
Premier Jason Kenney received the first shot of the vaccine several weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Alberta has now progressed to Phase 3 of the vaccination campaign, allowing all persons 12 and older to make an appointment to receive their first vaccine dose.
On May 6 every Albertan 30 or older could book an appointment through Alberta Health Services or a participating pharmacy, and on May 10, appointment bookings were expanded to include Albertans ages 12 to 29.
As of May 13 more than two million doses of vaccine had been administered in the province.
“By opening bookings to everybody over 12 years of age, we are taking a huge step towards stopping the spike and hopefully putting this pandemic behind us for good,” said Kenney.
Also effective immediately, working Albertans can now access up to three hours of paid, job-protected leave to get each dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
All employees are eligible regardless of job status or length of employment.
“We urge all employees and employers to work together when scheduling COVID-19 vaccination leaves,” said Minister of Labour Jason Copping.
