(Government of Alberta)

By The Canadian Press

Provincial Politics

Alberta education minister says she will listen to top doctor about masks in schools

Nov 16, 2022 | 4:34 PM

CALGARY – Alberta’s education minister says she will take advice from the province’s new chief medical health officer on whether to allow school boards to bring in mask mandates in schools with respiratory illness outbreaks.

The Edmonton public school board has asked Alberta Health and Alberta Education whether it can require masks as schools deal with a wave of viral illnesses that is sending thousands of students home sick.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange was asked about the request several times during a news conference about additional mental health supports for students.

She says students and staff are welcome to wear masks but the government doesn’t anticipate going to a mask mandate.

Dr. Mark Joffe, who was appointed chief medical officer of health earlier this week, hasn’t been made available to comment on the respiratory viruses that are also straining hospitals. He did issue a statement on Wednesday, saying Alberta should expect a “severe” flu season.

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Premier Danielle Smith has been critical of mask rules in schools, saying they adversely affected the mental health, development and education of students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Edmonton school board says there are similar mental health concerns when students miss school or worry about getting sick.

Sarah Hoffman, Alberta NDP Critic for Education, made the following statement in response:

“The funding announcement today is a drop in the bucket when you consider that over the past two years the UCP chose to underspend $1 billion from their education budget.

“Students, staff and families need support now. That’s why the Alberta NDP has been calling on the UCP government to place a mental health professional in each and every school.

“The past two-and-a-half years have been unimaginably challenging and stressful for Alberta students, staff and families. A mental health professional in every Alberta school would immediately help to support some of the mental health needs of students.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 16, 2022.

The Canadian Press

(With files from rdnewsNOW)

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