Alberta’s newest premier, Danielle Smith, was forced to explain her thinking on Wednesday after widely criticized comments about the unvaccinated on Tuesday in the wake of her nomination to head the province.
• Also Read: Daniel Smith’s Libertarian Oblivion
• Also Read: Daniel Smith is officially named Premier of Alberta
Shortly after being officially named Prime Minister, Ms Smith sparked outrage when she said unvaccinated people were “the most discriminated against group I’ve ever seen in my life”. She made the comments as she announced plans to replace the province’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, who led Alberta public health throughout the pandemic.
Several groups and politicians condemned the comments, but without retracting them or apologizing, the prime minister clarified his thoughts on Wednesday.
“My intention is to highlight the mistreatment of people who choose not to vaccinate and are punished by not being able to work, travel or in some cases not see their loved ones,” he said. – she promised. She did not want to compare the fate of the unvaccinated with that of the marginalized.
Many organizations for the protection of immigrants, natives or sexual diversity have criticized the prime minister, saying her comments against marginalized communities are insensitive.
NDP Opposition Leader Rachel Notley agreed. “First Nations communities are still struggling with the effects of the genocide. For the premier of this province to ignore this trauma and say that unvaccinated people in Alberta are the most discriminated against group is at odds with all the work we still need to do,” she decried.
The issue of pandemic management is hotly debated in Alberta. Opponents of the health measures – although less prominent than in other parts of the country – have been fiercely critical of Prime Minister Jason Kenney on the issue, leading to his narrowly won confidence in the spring. Mr. Kenny subsequently decided to resign.
More Stories
How List Acquisition Helps Your Political Campaign Become Successful
Four escaped cows were caught
A simple administrative decision? | Press