“the premier and minister lagrange have been clear that albertans can and do make their own personal health decisions, including whether or not to receive a vaccine.
“in the fall, we will be introducing legislation to amend alberta’s bill of rights to strengthen albertans’ individual and property rights, including an amendment to guarantee albertans the right to accept or refuse a medical treatment, such as a vaccine.
“this year, approximately 16.9 per cent of albertans chose to get the covid-19 vaccine, and alberta’s government will continue to allow albertans to make this decision.”
after this column appeared on friday, appeared, bourchard’s office sent a statement.
“i have consistently supported informed consent and opposed mandates, and i am pleased with the progress being made to safeguard albertans’ right to make their own health care decisions through the updated bill of rights,” the mla said.
“this is what i intended to convey on the podcast, though i recognize i may not have been as clear as i would have liked. i am not opposed to albertans choosing to receive vaccines if that is their decision, and i will continue to advocate for choice over mandates.”
he was originally implying the opposite – that the vaccine should be stopped. his new statement is in line with government’s strategy – supply vaccines, but don’t endorse vaccination.