After MLA vacations last Christmas put the UCP in hot water, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney’s caucus has advised members not to travel over the holidays..Meanwhile, NDP leader Rachel Notley tweeted MLAs from her party will not travel internationally over the holidays, confirming several have postponed their trips..This, following the announcement Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage has tested positive for COVID-19, as confirmed Friday by a government spokesperson..“She is isolating at home and all of the Alberta Health COVID-19 protocols are being followed,” wrote Jerry Bellikka, Savage’s chief of staff, in a statement..“She experienced extremely mild symptoms and is feeling fine. She has not attended any public events in recent days. One staff member was a close contact and has been tested negative.”.It is not yet known whether Savage has the Omicron variant..Kenney apologized to Albertans last January after it was discovered nine of his MLAs and senior staff members had travelled internationally while a federal advisory recommended against it..Although international travel was not banned on Friday, the federal government announced a non-essential travel advisory and has recommended only essential travel at this time..“I will say it again: now is not the time to travel,” said Canadian Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos on Friday..“We know how difficult it is for Canadians to have to postpone their travel to visit families or friends or to take a break abroad,” said Duclos acknowledging the “many Canadians who are listening,” and have since cancelled their trips..Melanie Risdon is a reporter for the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
