MLA Barnes addresses tweet calling COVID-19 fears ‘overblown’

The opinion piece by Black claims the danger of death for 80 percent of the population is not ‘statistically significant’ and there is no reason to continue the lock down.

“Part of my job is to put out all relevant information on all sides of the issues,” said Barnes. “I don’t believe that Albertans, that Medicine Hatters should ever be scared of a discussion both ways.”

Barnes tweet has since received attention both locally and provincially, with the majority of the over 250 replies criticizing the MLA’s decision to post the op-ed.

@Alberta_UCP you might want to reign in your people. Fear of Covid-19 is overblown? Tell that to the people at Cargill, the folks in seniors’ homes and all of those who have lost loved ones. Such privilege that you and your cronies have such a tone deaf attitude @jkenney

— Brenda Giourmetakis (@bgiourme) May 10, 2020

Following that, Barnes took to social media again on Monday afternoon and posted a Financial Post article calling for an end to the economic lock down from editor-at-large Diane Francis.

“It’s time to start looking at what the future holds, how we make sure we protect our vulnerable and our seniors, but how we give a chance for the economy and people to get going again,” said Barnes.

CHAT News directly asked Barnes if he shared Black’s belief that fear of the virus has been overblown, which he denied but added it’s a viewpoint that shouldn’t be dismissed.

“I believe that there’s a lot of uncertainty,” said Barnes. “I believe that we’ll be able to look in the rear-view mirror with a wholesome amount of knowledge that wasn’t available at the time, still isn’t available today. But, I think articles like Conrad’s, I think articles on the other side that say we need to [stay] locked down, we need to talk about this.”

When asked if re-opening Alberta’s economy prematurely would pose an increased risk to those in the community, Barnes said it possibly could.

However, he did say that by following the protocols of physical distancing and rigorous hand washing, Alberta should be able to tackle the pandemic.

Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw has repeatedly stated that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted to Albertans of all ages and while seniors are at an elevated risk of death, fatal cases have been reported in five people under the age of 60.

The local MLA doesn’t believe sharing differing opinions from that of Alberta’s top doctor will pose any particular danger.

“She has the final say along with her and the premier,” said Barnes. “I think though that people need to hear that there’s people thinking different, they need to see that people have different ideas.”

Barnes confirmed he was on a caucus call with UCP legislators on Monday and that it’s common for different strategies to be discussed by those within the same party.

There may also be a disconnect when it comes to decision makers from different parts of the province according to Barnes.

“I’m going to suggest to you that there’s maybe some different thoughts in the bigger cities than there are in some of the more rural, regional areas and I think that’s fair,” he said.

Barnes added in his eyes, debate should be necessary to determining the next steps in combating the financial and social impacts of COVID-19.

“Why do so many people out there want to shut down discourse?” said Barnes. “Why do they want to shut down some of these ideas? From calling me names to calling Conrad Black names, just look at his ideas and say what you think.”

by Scott Roblin

MLA Barnes addresses tweet calling COVID-19 fears ‘overblown’

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