The Liberals are failing on COVID-19 testing

The Liberals are failing Canadians on rapid COVID-19 testing.

Scores of other developed countries including the United Kingdom, France, Australia and the United States have rapid COVID-19 testing available — some with results in just 15 minutes. 

Canadians on the other hand are waiting hours if not days before we can get tested and even longer for the results.

Rapid testing would help out moms and dads with decisions about sending their kids to schools, could help local businesses stay open and would help keep us all safe.

Yet, under the Liberals it hasn’t been a priority. 

See the video below of my friend and colleague Michelle Rempel Garner the Shadow Minister for Health holding the Liberal health minister accountable.  

Halloween still on, but please take precautions 

Alberta Public Health has issued guidelines to ensure, you, your family and our communities can have a spooky but safe All Hallows’ Eve. 

• Stay home and don’t hand out candy if you feel ill. 
• Wear masks at all times when unable to physical distance from others. 
• Maintain physical distances from other people outside of your family or cohort.  
• When trick-or-treating, maintain two metres (six feet) distance, knock instead of using doorbells and use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces. 
• Wash hands and disinfect packages before eating candy. 
• Try to avoid directly handing out candy, alternative possible options include using tongs, self-serve candy pick-up at a table or a candy slide. 
• Host parties outside, if weather permits. 
• Limit the size of parties. 

 

 

 

Daughters of the Vote applications are open ’til October 14

Want to learn more about federal politics and get to understand what Conservative MP Kerry Diotte does to represent his riding of Edmonton Griesbach?

Sign up to apply for this fascinating, free program today.

 

 

 

Liberals labelling plastic as “toxic” will hurt Alberta

By JAMES KELLER
The Globe and Mail

The federal government announced on Thursday that it would ban six categories of single-use plastic items, including straws, cutlery and grocery bags, by the end of next year as part of a plan to eliminate plastic waste by 2030.

Ottawa also intends to designate “plastic manufactured items” as toxic under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, which will allow the government to regulate and limit certain products without tabling new legislation.

Alberta was quick to push back. The province argued labelling plastic items as toxic will hurt its efforts to rebuild its economy, which was struggling long before the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reduced demand for oil.

On Friday, Mr. Kenney said the plastic announcement would be “added to our list” of areas where the federal government is harming the province.

(Read the full article by James Keller, the Globe and Mail here)

Last week’s straw poll results 

Last week I asked folks if they thought we should have stiffer penalties for those found guilty of vandalizing public monuments.      

The clear majority said they would support tougher penalties for those criminal acts. See the results below.    

A big thanks to everyone who took part in the survey. 

Have your say

 

Are you planning on giving out candy or trick-or-treating (while following Alberta Public Health recommendations) this year?     

Have your say in my new unofficial poll. I’ll publish the results in next week’s e-newsletter. 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest news on COVID-19 

 

You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Agency of Canada. 

Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811.

 

Benefits available for Canadians

There are programs available to help you and your family. 

 

 

 

In the news

• Liberals, NDP vote to shut down Conservatives’ renewed push to examine WE affair. Link
• Yet another Trudeau fuel tax will mean 22 cents per litre carbon tax at the pumps. Link
• Should we be calling him Deputy Prime Minister Singh? Link
• Trudeau dodges questions on meetings with alleged illegal casino operator. Link
• Hajdu’s bad pandemic getting worse as she faces questions over lack of rapid tests. Link
• Liberals filibuster opposition motion to get details of Trudeau family’s speaking fees. Link
• Medical professionals are speaking out against lockdowns. Link
• Liberals’ ‘supercluster’ program falling short of promised jobs, economic growth. Link
• Media Mistakes in the Trump Era: The Definitive List. Link
• Government spent more than $213K defending Seamus O’Regan in small claims court. Link

Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend 

You can share it here.

If you’re not subscribed to this regular e-newsletter, sign up below.

Members of Parliament get the most current, accurate and comprehensive updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Want regular highlights of these? Sign up for my e-newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here.

I want to hear from you 

I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?

Drop me a note at my e-mail address.

Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.

Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.

Thanks so much. Stay healthy!

E-mail:
[email protected]

Phone:
(780) 495-3261

Mail (postage free): 
Kerry Diotte, MP 
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6