A provincial report on Alberta's response to the COVID-19 pandemic promotes misinformation and anti-science narratives, said Alberta Medical Association (AMA) President Dr. Shelley Duggan in a letter published Monday
"This report is anti science and anti evidence," wrote Duggan.
"It advances misinformation. It speaks against the broadest and most diligent international scientific collaboration and consensus in history. Through science and evidence, we were able to learn together while observing and adjusting to the twists and turns of COVID 19."
According to the report, there were multiple problems with Alberta's COVID-19 response — over-centralization of decision-making, a lack of transparency, influence by specific interest groups, data quality and use, and inconsistencies in testing methods and interpretations, which led to unreliable infection rate statistics.
Also, the report questioned the effectiveness of mask mandates and lockdowns, suggesting they may have caused more harm than good in some aspects — particularly to mental health and the economy.
The report recommended stopping the use of COVID-19 vaccines unless more information on risks is provided, advocating for an opt-out mechanism from federal public health policies, and ending vaccinations for healthy children and teenagers.
The report suggested government should require media to disclose any political or financial affiliations that might influence reporting on health matters. It highlighted the spread of misinformation and the need for better public communication.
There was a push for more protection for physicians to prescribe alternative treatments like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, which were not authorized by Health Canada for COVID-19 treatment.
A significant finding in the report was the erosion of public trust in both government and scientific institutions due to how the pandemic was managed.
Under lockdowns, there were massive job losses, business closures, increased mental health problems and suicides, school closures and developmental problems, delayed or missing medical treatments, increased domestic violence and drug use, lost social cohesion, and the erosion of liberty.
"Science and evidence brought us through and saved millions of lives," wrote Duggan.
"This report sows distrust. It criticizes proven preventative public health measures while advancing fringe approaches."
A significant class action lawsuit in Alberta has been certified after all COVID-19 mandates were ruled ultra vires — beyond legal authority. This lawsuit pertains to businesses subjected to closures.
In the U.S., there are around 20,000 active lawsuits related to the pandemic, with claims suggesting the scope of the litigation might rival that of tobacco, opioid, and asbestos cases.
Alberta NDP MLA Sarah Hoffman weighed into the debate on social media, saying "Danielle Smith and the UCP spent $2 million of your public money to prop up anti-science conspiracy theorists. They were paid millions to peddle misinformation and advocate for regressive dangerous policies."