Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely has joined the ranks of her fellow UCP colleagues that have spoken out against the party’s decision to move Alberta back to Step 1 on April 6.
On April 7, 16 UCP caucus members signed an open letter to Albertans, stating that the province’s decision to “move backwards” was the wrong decision.
Although Lovely wasn’t listed with the original 16 MLAs, she issued her own press release on April 9, calling the move back to Step 1 a “profound disappointment” to rural Albertans.
“I’m not going to sugar coat this — COVID-19 is real and is a public health risk to all of us,” she said in the release.
“The virus has impacted many lives and families in irreparable ways.
“The reality, however, is that COVID has not hit rural Albertans as hard as it’s hit those in urban centres.”
Lovely then cited the active case numbers from the day before the announcement was made, to illustrate her point.
“As of April 6, there were 10,809 active cases of COVID-19 in Alberta – a 27 per cent jump over the week before. However, Camrose County had 35 active cases as of Wednesday April 7, 2021, and the City of Camrose had 30 active cases. “
Lovely stated that although she believed the previous approach to reopening was fair and balanced, that is no longer the case.
“Now, the goal posts have shifted, and it is not fair to you.”
Lovely says she remains committed to hearing the concerns of her constituents and advocating for their diverse opinions.
“While our government has done a tremendous job at preparing and providing supports and vaccinations to those needing them most, it is imperative that we now continue to approach COVID in a responsible, balanced manner,” said Lovely.
“We are hard-working, resilient individuals who have done our part and continue to do so. The consensus here in Camrose is that we need a regional approach, and that’s what I will continue to advocate for.
“That is what’s reasonable, responsible, and balanced.”