Alberta government would be ‘irresponsible’ to fully ban masking in schools: ATA
Posted Oct 30, 2022 3:17 pm.
Last Updated Oct 30, 2022 3:22 pm.
The president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) says it would be “irresponsible” for the Alberta government to fully ban any mask mandates in K-12 schools going forward.
Jason Schilling’s statement on Sunday came a day after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith vowed to ban mask mandates in the province’s schools, who cited the detrimental effects on students’ health as a result of masking.
Smith’s own comments were in response to a recent judge’s ruling that the lifting of masking rules in schools in February was “unreasonable.” Smith said the province would look into appealing that decision.
Schilling believes fully banning masking in schools, without taking into account the province’s epidemiological situation, is not the right move.
“Going forward, it is irresponsible to take off the table any protective measure that might allow schools to remain open safely and limit the spread of disease in the larger community,” said the ATA president. “This includes, potentially, mandating the wearing of masks.”
WATCH: Premier Danielle Smith challenges Alberta judge’s mask mandate ruling
Schilling says various officials – from politicians to teachers – must keep schools safe.
“Government, medical professionals, school boards and teachers have a shared responsibility to ensure that, to the greatest degree possible, schools remain safe places for students, teachers, staff, and community, so that they can remain open to serve Albertans,” Schilling said.
“In the context of the continuing pandemic, this involves making difficult and nuanced decisions about what protective measures are necessary as informed by the best available scientific advice.
“As we have seen, Minister of Education (Adriana) LaGrange has overstepped her authority in previous masking decisions and, unless some reflection takes place, mistakes will be repeated.”
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Schilling adds Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, school boards and government officials should be taking measures to prepare for infectious diseases, such as the arrival of the next COVID-19 variant.
“COVID-19 has proved itself to be remarkably adaptable. We should expect at least the same from our government,” he added.
In a 28-page court statement released Thursday, Alberta Judge Grant S. Dunlop ruled that schools were not technically barred from having masks despite opposition from LaGrange.
