Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed concerns over Canada losing its measles elimination status and emphasized the challenges in controlling the highly contagious disease due to interprovincial and international travel. Smith highlighted the importance of vigilance to prevent the spread of measles and the government’s efforts to provide information on outbreaks through their website.
While several provinces have reported measles cases this year, Alberta and Ontario have recorded the highest numbers. Alberta has seen nearly 2,000 cases since March, with over 150 hospitalizations and the unfortunate death of an infant due to maternal measles infection. The Pan American Health Organization recently revoked Canada’s measles elimination status after decades, citing ongoing circulation of the same strain.
Smith commended Alberta’s vaccination campaign in combating the outbreak, particularly targeting communities with low vaccination rates like the Mennonite and Hutterite communities. She emphasized the importance of vaccines in preventing the severe impacts of measles, especially on young children.
Opposition NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman criticized the United Conservative government for not appointing a permanent chief medical officer of health sooner, highlighting the need for effective public communication. Hoffman also raised concerns about tuberculosis awareness and the recent outbreak in Edmonton, urging the government to prioritize informing and facilitating immunizations for the public.
