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COVID-19: Most local MLAs have received their first vaccine shot

Alberta’s NDP is encouraging all MLAs to get vaccinated and publicly promote the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
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Red Deer-North MLA Adriana LaGrange received her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. Alberta’s NDP is encouraging all other UCP MLAs to get vaccinated and publicly promote the safety of vaccines. (Photo courtesy Adriana LaGrange Instagram)

Alberta’s NDP is encouraging all MLAs to get vaccinated and publicly promote the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

Recent media reports indicate 19 UCP MLAs have refused to confirm whether they have been vaccinated, Alberta’s official opposition said in a statement Monday.

“As of today, Alberta’s per-capita COVID-19 case rate is more than double the next highest in Canada,” said NDP health critic David Shepherd.

“We are leaders in our communities. People listen to what we have to say, especially in times of crisis. We need a full endorsement of these vaccines from all 87 Alberta MLAs, period.”

Red Deer-North MLA Adriana LaGrange received her first vaccine dose when she became eligible nearly two months ago.

“Very grateful to receive my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine today,” LaGrange said in a March 20 Instagram post that featured a picture of her getting the shot.

“Thank you to all the vaccination teams and health-care workers that have been doing incredible work to make this possible.”

Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Devin Dreeshen received his COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday, he said in a post on Twitter.

In an open letter to Albertans last week, Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Ron Orr said he has received the COVID-19 vaccine and he’s staying home, except for essential trips.

“Now people, it is time to do our part – voluntarily. Rural Alberta is clearly not immune to this. Don’t be one of those who spreads COVID to others or who ends up in the ICU,” Orr said in the letter.

The office of Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan did not immediately respond to an email from the Advocate asking if he had been vaccinated.

Meanwhile, all 24 NDP MLAs have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, Alberta’s official opposition announced Monday.

Shepherd said vaccines are the “best tool” to get back to normal.

“I was proud to receive mine and was proud to promote them in doing so. Why won’t UCP MLAs also promote these life-saving shots? I can only assume it’s politics at play and that’s a real shame when peoples’ lives are at stake,” he said.



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