Students need mental-health support in pandemic school year: Alberta NDP
Posted Aug 25, 2021 1:01 pm.
CALGARY — The Alberta Opposition is urging Premier Jason Kenney and his United Conservative government to get behind supports for students returning to school at a time when COVID-19 still has a grip on the province.
NDP deputy leader Sarah Hoffman says the government should fund mental-health counsellors and rapid testing initiatives, as well as restore COVID-19 reporting protocols.
“Kids have been through so much over the course of the pandemic,” said Hoffman. “But they often can’t see the signs of deteriorating mental health or can’t express themselves. They will need more support to get through this year.”
The province announced recently that there will be no requirement for Alberta Health Services or schools to alert others of positive cases.
There will also be no provincewide mask mandate for students and staff, although schools can make their own rules.
