City of Red Deer formally reviewing social media comment made by council member

“As elected officials, we have a responsibility to our citizens, our community and the public we serve to uphold the law and to respect public health orders, regardless of our personal positions.”

Buchanan can be seen in the video’s comments section saying, “Good job Glenn – any AHS yet??”

“Councillor Buchanan’s comments are not in alignment with The City of Red Deer’s pandemic response. His comments are not in alignment with The Province of Alberta’s mandated public health orders,” Mayor Veer continues.

“As elected officials, we are held to higher standards, and at a time when citizens and businesses are expected to abide by provincial law, elected officials must also share information and act in ways that honour and respect these expectations.”

Veer says that upon seeing Buchanan’s comment for herself, she immediately contacted him to request he remove his remarks because they directly contravene The City’s duty to fulfill provincial health orders.

She also addressed this in a pair of her own tweets Wednesday night around 8 p.m. which were in reply to concerned citizens.

“At this time a formal review of this incident has been initiated to ensure accountability, transparency and responsible government,” Veer says.

“The formal review will respect due process and will adhere to all City of Red Deer and city council procedures, policies and bylaws in fulfilling our duty to the public.”

As of 5 p.m. Friday, Buchanan’s comment has not been removed.

“At this time, it is imperative our citizens know that city council and The City of Red Deer are committed to upholding all public health orders and ensuring we prioritize public safety, while at the same time doing everything we can to support our local businesses, and entrepreneurs across all sectors, who are struggling amidst the continuing pandemic,” Veer concludes.

“We are acutely aware and sensitive to the many challenges of the pandemic and associated public health orders. Like you, we look forward to a time when we no longer have to contend with Covid-19 and its many impacts.”

rdnewsNOW reached out to Councillor Buchanan about this matter on Thursday afternoon, but we have not received a response.

This is not the first time Buchanan has found himself in hot water on a pandemic-related matter.

Last March, he apologized for remarks he admitted were “insensitive” to all who were doing their part to distance, isolate and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

During a council meeting in November, Buchanan claimed local doctors were muzzled from speaking out about the pandemic. Local ER doctors refuted his claims days later.

by rdnewsNOW staff

City of Red Deer formally reviewing social media comment made by council member

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