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By The Canadian Press
Alberta

Alberta premier says unvaccinated the ‘most discriminated-against group’ in her lifetime

Oct 12, 2022 | 2:13 PM

Danielle Smith, sworn in Tuesday as Alberta’s new premier, said she will shake up the top tier of the health system within three months and amend provincial human rights law to protect those who choose not to get vaccinated.

“(The unvaccinated) have been the most discriminated-against group that I’ve ever witnessed in my lifetime,” Smith told reporters at the legislature.

“I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a situation in my lifetime where a person was fired from their job or not allowed to watch their kids play hockey or not allowed to go visit a loved one in long-term care or hospital, not allowed to get on a plane to either go across the country to see family or even travel across the border.

“We are not going to create a segregated society on the basis of a medical choice.”

Earlier in the day, Smith was sworn into the job by Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani at a ceremony at Government House.

In a speech there, Smith said, “Albertans have been through so much over these last 2 1/2 years. Our rights and freedoms have been tested.

“I will ensure as head of this government that those rights and freedoms are protected and will never be taken for granted again.”’

NDP Justice Critic Irfan Sabir issued the following statement in response to Premier Smith’s claims:

“This province belongs to all of us, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. All Albertans should feel safe in our communities, but hate-motivated crimes are on the rise in Alberta and many people are living in fear.

“The UCP has refused to take any meaningful steps towards reconciliation, refused to take real action to address racism in Alberta, and is the only government in history to rollback 2SLGTBQIA+ rights.

“The comments made by Premier Danielle Smith further divide our province and minimize the hate and violence towards racialized Albertans and the 2SLGTBQIA+ community.

“Danielle Smith needs to apologize for these comments. She has already demonstrated on her first official day in office that she is not ready to lead for all Albertans.”

(With files from rdnewsNOW)

by The Canadian Press