Alberta MLAs who spoke out against COVID-19 restrictions spark debate over whose views are being heard – CBC

2 weeks after UCP MLAs sign open letter, some of their constituents say they weren’t consulted

Apr 22, 2021

The 16 Alberta MLAs who argued against tighter COVID-19 restrictions in an open letter recently have sparked debate and frustration in some of the communities they represent.

They said their constituents have told them the restrictions the province has imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus have gone on for too long and have caused too much hardship.

“We have heard from our constituents, and they want us to defend their livelihoods and freedoms as Albertans,” the letter read in part.

It’s been two weeks since the United Conservative Party backbenchers, who represent dozens of small towns, mountain resorts and farming communities across Alberta, signed the letter against their own government’s decision earlier this month to return to Step 1 of Alberta’s public health orders. Step 1 includes, among other measures, an end to indoor service at restaurants, bars and cafés and limited customer capacity in stores.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/ucp-mla-letter-covid-restrictions-1.5993173