Open Letter to Premier Jason Kenney
January 20, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Deer – Mountain View, AB
Beyond residents in long-term care facilities, no one has been more negatively impacted by COVID-19 than our children. Many will face a lifetime of challenges as a result of COVID-19 public health measures.
On August 20, 2020 Dr. Deena Hinshaw stated the following:
“We must learn to live with this virus, and how to find the right balance between preventing uncontrolled COVID-19 spread and preventing the harms that come from shutting down essential parts of our society.”
“First of all, if children are infected with COVID-19, they are more likely to be mildly sick and fewer are hospitalized.”
“Second, childhood infections, particularly in younger children, do not seem to drive community transmission…”
“Third, young children seem less likely than adults to infect others…”
Participation in sports has wide ranging physical fitness and mental wellness benefits. Physical activity is also recognized to benefit the immune system. Sports provide stability in a time of great uncertainty for children. Lastly, sports allow children to develop leadership, teamwork and other important skills.
Business owners, specifically those who provide individual based activities, have and will continue to take all the necessary precautions to provide a safe environment for youth sport and recreation.
On December 25, 2020 the Alberta government approved the National Hockey League’s (NHL) plan for return to play. The federal government issued an exemption to the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for NHL players and staff to return to Canada for training camp under “national interest grounds”.
Given the facts above, would it not be prudent for the Government of Alberta to issue a “national interest” exemption for all children’s sporting activities?
Sincerely,
Jared Pilon
Candidate for Red Deer – Mountain View, AB
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