By Canadian Press

Premier renews promise Alberta will not mandate COVID-19 vaccinations

Jan 7, 2022 | 2:23 PM

EDMONTON – Premier Jason Kenney says mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations won’t happen in Alberta, despite the federal government conceding such intervention may be necessary down the road.

Kenney, in a short statement, says his government removed the power of mandatory vaccination from the law books last year and “will not revisit that decision, period.”

Kenney was responding to comments from federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.

Duclos told reporters mandatory vaccinations will be left up to individual provinces to decide, but it’s looming as a necessary measure to preserve the health system over the long-term.

Italy made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for people 50 and older this week to reduce strain on hospitals, while France placed renewed pressure on the unvaccinated to get their shots by banning them from restaurants, cafes and theatres.

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Kenney says the mandatory vaccination issue is a matter of principle and personal freedom.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also says his Saskatchewan Party government will not mandate vaccinations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2022.

The Canadian Press