At a Glance - September 21
Alberta Human Rights Commission Chair Fired
Following an open letter published by the National Council of Canadian Muslims and government follow-up, the province announced that it is rescinding the appointment of Alberta Human Rights Commission chief, Collin May. He had sat on the commission for three years before being appoint to the top job this spring. The NCCM letter indicated that “Mr. May wrote terrible things in relation to his understanding of an Islamophobic text,” and raise concerns about May’s alleged decision to threaten his critics with lawsuits.
Following the publication of the letter, it was reported Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Tyler Shandro had met with May to get an explanation. Following the discussion, Minister Shandro had requested May to submit his resignation. The decision to rescind his appointment came following a response from May’s lawyer who indicated her client would not be resigning.
Bivalent COVID-19 Booster
Starting on September 21st, Albertans will be able to book appointments to receive a dose of Moderna’s new bivalent COVID-19 booster. Unlike the original series of COVID-19 vaccines, this booster was designed specifically to target both the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as the Omicron variant. While it specifically targets the BA. 1 variant, it also is said to provide strong immune responses to both BA.4 and BA.5 variants.
To be eligible for the new booster, Albertans must be 18 years old, completed their primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations (Moderna, Pfizer, or AstraZeneca), and have allowed 5 months’ time to pass between either their last vaccine dose or last COVID-19 infection.
No Stat Holiday for Queen’s Funeral
When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that September 19th would be declared a federal holiday, eyes turned to provincial governments across the country to see if their jurisdictions would reciprocate the decision. While some provinces decided to follow in line with the federal government, Alberta announced that it would not make September 19th a stat holiday.
Rather than declare a stat holiday, Premier Jason Kenney announced the province would recognize the occasion as a provincial day of mourning. "Albertans, Canadians and the peoples of the Commonwealth will join together on this day in sorrow to mourn the death of Her late Majesty and to commemorate her long and faithful service. I sincerely hope that Albertans find some time on this day to honour the remarkable life of Queen Elizabeth II and I strongly encourage employers and schools to appropriately mark this sombre and historic occasion.”
Pierre Poilievre Wins Conservative Leadership
His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition in the House of Commons has a new leader to start the fall sittings. Long time Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre secured his place at the top of his party on September 10th, needing only one round of preferential balloting to secure 68 per cent support. Former MP and Premier of Quebec Jean Charest finished second with 16 per cent of the vote.
In his victory speech, Poilievre spoke to what he hopes to accomplish in his new role. “Tonight begins the journey to replace an old government that costs you more and delivers you less, with a new government that puts you first, your paycheck, your retirement, your home, your country.”