Danielle Smith, Travis Toews, and Brian Jean — considered the three frontrunners for the UCP leadership race — took the stage for the Western Standard's leadership debate Tuesday evening at Calgary's Roof Top YYC..The candidates were asked after the debate how they would protect Albertans from future COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates..All three indicated they would not support similar lockdowns that Albertans faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which lead to massive economic consequences for many business owners and Albertans in general. .When asked what each would do to protect Albertans from the effects of another lockdown, Toews said he was clear during the debate, "right now, lockdowns simply aren't the way of the future." ."Right now, we know we're going to have to have to live with COVID," said Toews. ."We're going to have to find a way to deal with it without lockdowns.".Toews said the healthcare system in Alberta needs to be expanded, including surge capacity. ."In terms of lockdowns, that's simply not an option with COVID," said Toews. .Smith, who has been outspoken about lockdowns and COVID-19 vaccine mandates throughout her leadership campaign, said she "affirms" there will never be another lockdown in Alberta under her leadership. .Under the Sovereignty Act, Smith said she plans to push through if she is voted in as leader of the UCP, she will ensure protection of Albertans from lockdowns and COVID-19 vaccine mandates, including those imposed by the federal government. ."The second thing I'd do it make sure we change the Human Rights Act so we cannot discriminate on the basis of medical choice or political opinion," said Smith. .Jean said if he's premier, he wouldn't have any more lockdowns in the province.."I've been very clear," said Jean. "I'm the only candidate that says no lockdowns. Plus, I will make sure future premiers actually have their hands cuffed so they can't bring lockdowns in, and if they do, they have to make sure that all of that information, all of that cabinet confidence, is laid out for the people so there's no lack of transparency." .Each was asked if they were aware that, although Alberta Health Services (AHS) lifted its vaccine mandates for all staff and new hires, many AHS-run and funded facilities are still requiring proof of vaccination as a prerequisite for employment. They were also asked how they would ensure private businesses in the province were also not mandating COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment. .Toews said he was unaware this was happening within AHS, but said under his leadership "that would change immediately." .As far as private businesses in Alberta, Toews said he would get them in line with the government's guidance. ."My expectation is these private businesses are going to have to drop these COVID vaccine mandates," said Toews. "They simply have to do it.".Although he's hesitant to extend overreach by the government into private businesses, Toews said he believes there is no "scientific justification for [vaccine mandates] to continue." .He said he would use "all the pressure of the premier's pulpit" to push back on private industry and ensure they fall in line with the government's position on COVID-19 vaccination. .Smith said it was "irresponsible" of AHS-run facilities to still require the vaccine for new hires and said AHS was given direction two weeks ago to change its approach. Smith said she would talk to her colleagues in cabinet to see if anything can be done about what she called AHS' "open defiance." ."It's part of the reason why people have lost trust in the Alberta Health Services, and part of the reason why we can't take a hands-off approach anymore," said Smith. .Smith said it's very disappointing to hear AHS-run facilities still require the COVID-19 vaccine as a requirement for new hires, especially considering the healthcare industry is trying to attract new workers. .She confirmed she is exploring options to protect those in private and federally-regulated positions, as well. .Smith said governments gave private businesses a mixed message about the mandates and said she will ensure those businesses understand the mandates violate the Charter and decisions within private businesses to continue to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations "will not be protected." .Private business will face civil litigation, as well as face the Human Rights Commission, said Smith. .Jean said he's aware AHS is still requiring new applicants to show proof of vaccination in several AHS-run facilities. .He said if he was leading the UCP, he would issue a "cabinet directive to make AHS change that policy." .As for private business, he said he would "let the market take care of itself." .In doing so, Jean said he believes private businesses will "find out very quickly, that they're not going to be in business very long if they continue to do that." ."Private businesses will learn, just like many of the oil companies have learned, that they can't do that kind of thing to people, and ... it will not be supported by the government and it will not be supported by people," said Jean.
