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It’s Time for Some Perspective

Open Letter to Albertans


August 6, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Red Deer – Mountain View, AB


Over the past week there has been a significant amount of backlash over Alberta’s decision to end remaining COVID-19 restrictions in mid-August 2021 and declare COVID-19 to now be endemic.


Much of the backlash has been directed towards the risk that this decision presents to our children. A recent video on CityNews went as far as to say that some parents are considering leaving the province as they no longer feel that classrooms are a safe place for their children.


I agree that every parent has the right to raise their children in the way they see fit, most notably, making decisions to best shield their children from unnecessary harm. With that said, the risk of COVID-19 to children has always been low and this fact needs to be highlighted. Fear mongering isn’t helping.


According to statistics published by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, the number of individuals aged 0-19 that passed away from COVID-19 as of June 25, 2021 was 13. While all deaths are tragic, it is important to analyze risk to our children logically and equitably.


According to Stats Canada the leading causes of death for those aged 1 to 14 in 2019 were as follows:


  1. Malignant neoplasms (cancer) - # of deaths 114

  2. Accidents (unintentional injuries) - # of deaths 112

  3. Intentional self-harm (suicide) - # of deaths 32

  4. Diseases of heart - # of deaths 17

  5. Influenza & pneumonia - # of deaths 16


Given the above data, it appears like classrooms are a safe place for our children to be this fall. No need for masks, social distancing, or any other non-pharmaceutical mandates. Just kids being kids.


Sincerely,


Jared Pilon

Libertarian Party Candidate for Red Deer – Mountain View, AB

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