By Shane Clausing/EverythingGP

Allard fights back following opposition NDP calling for her resignation

Sep 29, 2021 | 3:09 PM

Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard issued a statement on her Facebook Wednesday afternoon, in response to the opposition NDP calling for her resignation.

On Friday a newsletter was sent out by Allard to her constituents, after which the opposition party accused Allard of defending the choice of Albertans not to get vaccinated, while also claiming the first-term MLA has downplayed capacity challenges at the QEII Hospital.

Allard fired back Wednesday, saying the accusations made by the NDP are simply not acceptable.

“Is this what we have come to as leaders? Pointing fingers and creating stories about each other, founded on half-truths and rooted in conjecture? Is our only solution to call on each other to resign rather than having a discussion to establish understanding? What happened to statesmanship and public discourse? It is a ridiculous and irresponsible assertion that my newsletter to constituents in any way undermines vaccination efforts.” expressed Allard.

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In her statement, Allard says she was never contacted by David Shepard of the NDP to discuss her newsletter before making the claims.

To debunk any claims that she’s against the vaccine, Allard confirmed she’s vaccinated against COVID-19 and encourages everyone to get the shot.

“Not only am I vaccinated, not only do I strongly encourage it, but I was the lead Minister last fall on COVID Care Teams – a targeted effort to support the communities hardest hit by Covid across Alberta.”

Because of her work on the COVID Care Teams, Allard says she helped support the communities hardest hit by COVID-19 and helped get them the resources and information they needed, as well as worked with community leaders to get the situation under control.

“As a result, several of these communities now boast the highest vaccination rates in the province.”

Allard also elaborated on her take regarding natural immunity that she brought up in her letter.

“Regarding the boosting of natural immunity, I believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” she said. ‘”I believe in “and also” thinking which would suggest one can be vaccinated AND ALSO be aware of personal health and wellness practices to establish the best possible chance to fight COVID if infected.”

“I will give Mr. Shepherd the benefit of the doubt as I would hope he will start doing for me going forward, however, I would suggest he take some time in the future to exercise discretion prior to making inflammatory remarks and unfounded accusations, further contributing to the polarization in our world. Not helpful, Mr. Shepherd, really not helpful.”

Allard ended her statement by saying during times like this, Albertans need to pull together for the good of everyone, and not tear each other apart.