A Judicial Review filed against the Government of Alberta and Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Dr. Deena Hinshaw's health orders has come to final arguments. .The Alberta government and Hinshaw are defendants in the civil trial arising from a constitutional challenge launched more than a year ago..Foothills lawyer Jeff Rath, of Rath & Company, is representing Rebecca Ingram, the owner of a Calgary gym forced to close its doors during the pandemic. .Calgary lawyer Leighton Grey — on behalf of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) — is representing two other applicants in the challenge along with two Alberta churches: Heights Baptist Church in Medicine Hat and Northside Baptist Church in Calgary. .In December 2020, the JCCF challenged the constitutionality of Hinshaw’s health orders. The case was delayed numerous times by the Alberta government that finally submitted its evidence to justify its lockdown measures in July 2021. At that time, Hinshaw was scheduled to be cross-examined in September..Shortly before trial was to start, another adjournment was requested by the government’s lawyers who claimed Hinshaw was too busy managing the “fourth wave” to come to court to which the JCCF “reluctantly” agreed to the adjournment..The JCCF took exception to Hinshaw scheduling three days vacation during the time period she was to appear in court. .The trial resumed mid-February when Hinshaw was expected to take the stand for her cross-examination, but due to the lengthy cross-examination of other witnesses, Hinshaw did not take the stand until the trial resumed in April. .During Hinshaw's first day of testimony April 6, the CMOH refused to take responsibility for provincial lockdowns and mandates, repeatedly stating she made recommendations to cabinet and it was cabinet that made the orders..Tuesday's testimony by Hinshaw included her acknowledgement her public health orders contributed to negative outcomes. .During Wednesday's testimony, Hinshaw acknowledged the “new normal” she referenced to Albertans on several occasions would include complying with restrictions on certain freedoms "when necessary" and require people to "rethink their daily routines." .Day four of cross-examination, Hinshaw dismissed outpatient therapies calling them ineffective in treating COVID-19 and said she was following "published evidence" on the subject. She also indicated it was not her role to explore outpatient therapeutics. .Written closing arguments of Rebecca Ingram vs. Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Alberta and Chief Medical Officer of Health.Tune in to the Western Standard Tuesday, June 21 @ 6:30 p.m. MST for the exclusive interview.
