Latest news with #Albertans
Edmonton Journal
2 hours ago
- Health
- Edmonton Journal
'Measles capital of North America': Alberta doctors sound alarm on immunization
Article content The Canadian government urges measles vaccination for all eligible individuals, including two doses at 12 and 18 months of age. Article content Smith said the provincial government is now allowing everyone to get their two doses by the age of two. Article content 'Before we waited until kindergarten, but now so many kids are going into daycare, so we've moved that back, but we also make a microdose available to those parents who want that extra protection and so they can get a smaller dose,' she said. Article content For now, Alberta is reaping the benefits of days when vaccine rates were higher. Article content Smith said she's 'pleased to see that we still have about a 90 per cent overall vaccination rate by the time young people get to be 17 years old — 95 per cent is what they recommend. But we're glad to see that the message is getting out,' she said. Article content Child, adult, pregnant woman alike, if you're in the room with an infected person and you're non-immune, your chances of getting the airborne illness is very, very high, said Ladha. Article content Article content 'That represents a perfect storm where our children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces and family members will be at risk, increased risk in getting measles because they've gone to school in September or because they've brought it home from school to infect the children who are still at home,' Talbot said. Article content There have been recent ICU admissions with measles victims requiring care, said Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist with the University of Alberta. Article content 'I have just recently been called about pregnant women who have measles in pregnancy. I've also been called about transplant patients with measles. Article content 'The likelihood that there will be severe outcomes with really significant critical illness or death is just going up, because the longer we have circulation of disease and more cases that happen, that's basically just a matter of numbers and risk, and it's just a matter of time, unfortunately,' Saxinger said. Article content Article content Within the past few months, the province's health zones have stopped posting the areas of exposure to measles, where individuals travelled from their doctor's office to a lab to a radiology site to a store. Article content 'We don't see that from those sites anymore, because the volume is simply too high for them to be able to catch up. And so we just know that there's more transmission and more cases than are even being detected, and we're probably seeing, to some extent, the tip of the iceberg on the hospital side,' she said. Article content Practical considerations Article content As a doctor, Talbot said, he's an optimist in that he believes public health threats can be addressed — noting that more than 90 per cent of Albertans got at least one COVID vaccination during the pandemic. Article content All American states have laws requiring certain vaccines for students to attend school, although a number of states allow for exemption on the basis of religion or philosophy, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Article content In Canada, Ontario and New Brunswick have made immunizations mandatory for school attendance. Article content It may be time for a public debate on requiring measles immunizations for school attendance in Alberta, Talbot said. Article content 'The second (way to address school spread of measles) is to make sure that people are aware that if measles does strike a school and starts to spread, that it may be necessary to send unimmunized students and unimmunized staff home so that they are protected for the time until all of those people who have been exposed are safe to return,' he said. Article content Saxinger said for those who aren't immune, the current guidance for quarantine after measles exposure is 21 days. Article content 'That's to try to contain the infection and reduce the successive rings of spread — and that's very disruptive, if you think about that occurring in a school or in a workplace. It is a really strong practical argument to make sure that your immunization is up to date, and the immunization of your children is up to date,' Saxinger said. Article content Article content The experts agreed there's a unique window in the next month. Article content 'It takes time to book an appointment, and then the child's body needs 10 to 15 days to get the maximum protection. So book your appointment now for anyone going back to school and anyone under the age of five who's not immune in your household. That's the most important back-to-school preparation you can do even more than buying a backpack or a lunch box,' Talbot said. Article content 'It will ensure that they do not get measles, they do not get hospitalized, they do not go deaf or worse. It will give you the peace of mind that no matter what other people have done or failed to do, your child is safe. It will make your family and your community safer. And finally, it means that you will be able to say that you know the science and you've been smart in protecting your child, maybe not smart enough to get you on Jeopardy, but smart enough to show that you know what's important to the health of your children,' he said. Article content Article content Article content
Edmonton Journal
6 hours ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Opinion: Looking west from Alberta has never been more precarious
Article content It can be easy to think that nothing past the Rockies really matters to Albertans, but what's happening in British Columbia is deeply troubling. Government mismanagement of B.C.'s finances, economy and natural resources should be a warning to us all. Article content B.C. Premier David Eby has introduced economic and energy policies that are catastrophic for workers, families and businesses across his province. The provincial deficit for 2025 is at least $11 billion — and more likely to pass $15 billion, once Eby updates the numbers this fall. Article content Article content Article content Leading the parade of bad NDP ideas is Eby's CleanBC plan, which shows what happens when political ideology is placed ahead of common sense and economic reality. A recent ICBA Economics report delivered a shocking assessment, based on the B.C. government's own analysis: CleanBC will strip away $109.7 billion in economic activity from its economy by 2029 — more than 2.5 times the damage that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war and Prime Minister Mark Carney's retaliatory trade barriers could inflict. Article content Article content That's not a future Alberta should aspire to emulate. Article content CleanBC is forcing B.C. to decarbonize too much, too fast — without realistic transition plans for people, businesses or industries. It may sound virtuous from a political podium but, on the ground, it's driving up costs, deterring investment, slowing construction and making it nearly impossible to build needed housing, infrastructure and energy projects. Meanwhile, global emissions keep rising and B.C. grows poorer, not greener. Article content Article content Could Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi — whose municipal track record was defined by ballooning spending, tax hikes and a wariness of business voices trying to bring practical, on-the-ground insight to policy conversations — bring similar policies and thinking to Alberta? If handed the keys to Alberta, would he follow Eby's lead: adding red tape, building massive bureaucracies and punishing the very industries that fund our hospitals, schools and roads? Article content If not, let's hear him say it: Say that Eby's policies are dangerous and destructive. Article content Make no mistake, we support smart, balanced, common-sense climate policy. But CleanBC isn't that. It's more effective at cleaning out taxpayer coffers than it is at cleaning the air. Article content Albertans should take that as a warning, not a blueprint. Article content The ICBA report also exposed another inconvenient truth for Eby and his allies: the B.C. NDP's much-touted move to eliminate the consumer-facing carbon tax is a political stunt with almost no economic upside. The real economic pain comes from escalating industrial carbon taxes — the hidden costs, buried deep. Those are taxes that Nenshi would likely support, and they are the ones hurting job creators and workers the most.
Edmonton Journal
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Eleanor Olszewski: No place for politics in emergency management
Article content One year ago, the people of Jasper faced the unimaginable. As wildfire tore through their beloved community, like so many Albertans I watched with deep concern as the flames threatened a place that holds a special place in our province's story. As we mark the anniversary of that devastating event, we remember what was lost and burned, but most importantly, we reflect on the strength that rose in its wake. Article content Article content Article content Article content We are currently on track for the second-worst wildfire season in Canadian history based on hectares burned, and while the federal government stands ready to answer the call to assist all Canadians in this time of need, I find myself increasingly focusing on what comes next and how we can do better. Article content Article content The story of Jasper is about more than the immediate response and recovery of one of Canada's most treasured places. It's about renewal and resilience. From rebuilding critical infrastructure to restoring local services and stepping up to provide interim housing for those displaced, we have worked hand-in-hand with Parks Canada, the Town of Jasper, the Alberta government, Indigenous governments and everyday Jasperites not just to restore what was lost, but to reimagine what this community can become. Article content The road has not been easy, and the recent report has many useful lessons that all levels of government should internalize. Article content It is in this spirit of resilience that I was recently given a new mandate as Canada's first minister for Community Resilience. This new role exists because our communities are facing unprecedented challenges such as climate change, intensifying wildfires, and more frequent natural disasters. With rising global temperatures and climate disruption, we now know that wildfires, floods, and other climate-related events are becoming more common — and more costly.
Calgary Herald
13 hours ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Looking west from Alberta has never been more precarious
B.C. Premier David Eby's CleanBC plan could strip away $109.7 billion in economic activity from that province's economy by the end of this decade, according a report from ICBA Economics. Photo by Darryl Dyck / Postmedia Network It can be easy to think that nothing past the Rockies really matters to Albertans, but what's happening in British Columbia is deeply troubling. Government mismanagement of B.C.'s finances, economy and natural resources should be a warning to us all. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors B.C. Premier David Eby has introduced economic and energy policies that are catastrophic for workers, families and businesses across his province. The provincial deficit for 2025 is at least $11 billion — and more likely to pass $15 billion, once Eby updates the numbers this fall. Leading the parade of bad NDP ideas is Eby's CleanBC plan, which shows what happens when political ideology is placed ahead of common sense and economic reality. A recent ICBA Economics report delivered a shocking assessment, based on the B.C. government's own analysis: CleanBC will strip away $109.7 billion in economic activity from its economy by 2029 — more than 2.5 times the damage that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war and Prime Minister Mark Carney's retaliatory trade barriers could inflict. Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again Let that sink in: B.C.'s self-inflicted climate scheme is two-and-a-half times more economically destructive than one of the most feared threats to Canadian trade and prosperity in generations. That's not a future Alberta should aspire to emulate. CleanBC is forcing B.C. to decarbonize too much, too fast — without realistic transition plans for people, businesses or industries. It may sound virtuous from a political podium but, on the ground, it's driving up costs, deterring investment, slowing construction and making it nearly impossible to build needed housing, infrastructure and energy projects. Meanwhile, global emissions keep rising and B.C. grows poorer, not greener. Could Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi — whose municipal track record was defined by ballooning spending, tax hikes and a wariness of business voices trying to bring practical, on-the-ground insight to policy conversations — bring similar policies and thinking to Alberta? If handed the keys to Alberta, would he follow Eby's lead: adding red tape, building massive bureaucracies and punishing the very industries that fund our hospitals, schools and roads? If not, let's hear him say it: Say that Eby's policies are dangerous and destructive. Make no mistake, we support smart, balanced, common-sense climate policy. But CleanBC isn't that. It's more effective at cleaning out taxpayer coffers than it is at cleaning the air. Albertans should take that as a warning, not a blueprint. The ICBA report also exposed another inconvenient truth for Eby and his allies: the B.C. NDP's much-touted move to eliminate the consumer-facing carbon tax is a political stunt with almost no economic upside. The real economic pain comes from escalating industrial carbon taxes — the hidden costs, buried deep. Those are taxes that Nenshi would likely support, and they are the ones hurting job creators and workers the most.
Edmonton Journal
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Tuesday's letters: Smith's demand for Jasper apology embarrassing
Premier Danielle Smith speaks about the wildfire that destroyed hundreds of homes in Jasper as Harjit Sajjan, federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Richard Ireland, Mayor of Jasper listen, outside the Hinton Training Centre Taken on Friday, July 26, 2024. Photo by Greg Southam / Postmedia THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Here we go again! Seriously? Talk about punching down — the premier is demanding an apology from Jasper, of all places? What an embarrassment. An effective leader would hear criticism and ask 'How can we do better?' Like most Albertans and visitors from around the world, my heart goes out to the citizens of Jasper. I trust the town's leaders have more important things to do with their time than to respond to Smith's petty demand. Once again, our thin-skinned premier is quick to point the finger at others in order to distract from her government's failures, including the dumpster fire of a measles outbreak in Alberta. Jasperites, and all Albertans, deserve better. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again It didn't take long for Danielle Smith to dismiss the report commissioned by the Municipality of Jasper. The report surveyed firefighters and other frontline staff. One of the observations was that the provincial government impeded the firefighting effort by acting outside its authority — not staying in its lane, so to speak. Along with refuting the report, she is now demanding an apology from the town of Jasper. Right on brand. Attack communities, sow division and never accept any responsibility. The march to MAGA-land continues. The report on the fire in Jasper included the feedback of more than 200 firefighters, EMS and folks on the ground who put themselves in danger, to the point one lost their life. What went right? What went wrong? An independent report with no political affiliations, is funded by the town of Jasper. Made public in a timely manner without requiring FOIP. Maybe the only report not politically motivated and freely released in the last few years, it included some criticism of our provincial government, picked up by the media. Instead of giving serious consideration to the feedback as a whole, some sober reflection, perhaps taking some accountability, our premier responds in anger. Calls it a shot out of the blue, demands an apology and insists it must be politically motivated. Blames everyone but herself and her team. Rage politics. I am so tired of it. To my way of thinking it is the folks on the frontline, who put their lives at risk and then shared their honest feedback, who deserve the apology.
