I'm 5'4". This truck, parked in Stony Plain, would make contact with the middle of my face, if it hit me. Why do they need to be so big and why aren't we more worried about human safety?
It's actually quite insulting for
@jkenney
to suggest returning to school early "to make up for lost time" when teachers are working so hard to deliver curriculum online. This hasn't been an easy transition and it has necessitated a lot of extra prep, follow up & adaptation.
#ata
My take: it should NOT be permitted to add a referendum question to a ballot that is beyond the scope of the level of government being elected. We have levels of government and jurisdiction for a reason. The equalization question is a political stunt, misleading, and wasteful.
Update on my husband's school in Stony Plain: 1/3 of school out and
@AdrianaLaGrange
still won't let them go online!! 300+ students sent home. Staff moral is in the toilet. Admin spending all their time calling close contacts and madly rescheduling. What are we doing,
#abed
??
Another 6 months has been granted on my life contract. At least that's how it feels after my "all good" cancer screening this morning. Every 6 months, I face this process and confront my mortality. Today is a good day.
THREAD:
Dear
@AdrianaLaGrange
,
I am writing to you as one former trustee to another. I am going to start with the assumption that you value education as much as I do and that you believe it is the foundation of a just and equitable society. In other words, education matters.
We need to change our vaccine rollout to recognize the new variant. This means: circuit breaker that the docs are calling for, vaccinate hot spots immediately, everyone who can't work from home should be prioritized regardless of age. We need to adapt as quickly as the virus is.
Thread: It looks like we're betting the farm on single dose protection. So
@CMOH_Alberta
needs to provide clear answers to the following & repost the answer sheet for the next 6 weeks.
1) What is the likelihood of contracting COVID after a single dose?
If
@jkenney
really cared about rural Albertans, he would mandate mask wearing cuz once COVID hits them, there will be no COVID beds or ICU beds available. Their local hospital (if they have 1) will be full, the big city hospitals will be full, & they won't have anywhere to go.
My (unpopular) view: Unless you will pose no risk of infecting others, you should not be allowed on planes, to work in LTC and ICU, schools or other places where ppl congregate and don't have proper ventilation. Like second hand smoke, your rights end at my breathing space.
I woke up thinking about
@JulieRohrYEG
and how many people she has touched and inspired. Wouldn't the world (and Twitter) be a better place if we all tried to be a bit more like Julie?
1) Care about the welfare of others
2) Appreciate what you have and celebrate
3) Find joy
I think
@CMOH_Alberta
needs to start talking about # who have recovered fully without any ongoing health issues and # who have heart damage, kidney damage, lung damage, neurological impacts long after testing negative. "Recovered" doesn't mean back to normal for many.
#LongCovid
Comorbidities should be tracked to understand who is more vulnerable and then develop effective strategies to ensure they're all vaccinated, given boosters, etc. Including comorbidities in death announcements is contributing to misinformation and causing harm.
@CMOH_Alberta
Politicians vs doctors
Politicians vs nurses
Politicians vs teachers
#UCP
doesn't seem to understand the very basic premise that people tend to side with those who save their lives, help them heal, offer kindness and nurture their children.
#UCPvsUs
We. Have. Caused. This.
I'm bitterly disappointed politicians don't dare state the obvious, for fear of losing votes. But we stand to lose a whole lot more until we are brave enough to face the ugly facts: We. Are. To. Blame.
To everyone who won't win tomorrow, thank you for
1) your contribution to the democratic system
2) the hundreds of hours you put into your campaign
3) raising questions, starting dialogue, pointing out what is missing or could be improved
4) being brave
#Election2021
My Dad's LTC has an outbreak. I know there is at least one staff member who isn't vaccinated working at his facility. Will
#AHS
finally, sensibly, institute mandatory vaccinations for staff working with vulnerable populations?! This is gross negligence
@shandro
@CMOH_Alberta
THREAD: here's why I don't buy
@jkenney
argument that more restrictions won't help because people will disobey them: my friend went to an indoor brunch today, ate inside, w/o a mask because it's allowed. Since she can eat inside near strangers, she doesn't see why she can't have
THREAD: I missed yesterday's
#RealTalkRJ
so I went back to listen to the final 15 minutes to see what happened. I am going to reflect more on dynamics between Ryan and Sarah first. Ryan was interrupting and overtalking. This happens to me (and all women) SO. OFTEN.
For Monday (tomorrow), I got some red heart helium balloons, a Thank U HCW sign for my bike and a N95 mask & some goggles. Hope it's an uneventful morning and I'm all by myself. Look out the window tomorrow morning if you get a chance,
@drdagly
.
Thought I knew a fair bit about Alberta, but was stunned to hear that original O&G royalties, negotiated by Peter Lougheed were up to 50%. Ralph Klein dropped that to 1% for the oilsands. Were you aware of that?
When the vendictive "sunshine list" is published, I hope
@Albertadoctors
will release an accurate version, which deducts all the costs doctors' incur in running their clinics. I hope the media will ONLY report/comment/publish the correct version.
#FactCheckUCP
#ethicalReporting
Gotta say,
@jkenney
missed a prime opportunity to have Alberta's vaccine shipment expertly rolled out in record time, so he could squarely blame
@JustinTrudeau
for any delays. Instead, our vaccines are sitting in refrigerators and the blame is 100% in the Premier's lap.
Getting the Astrazeneca vaccine today!!!! After a lot of calling around, being put on wait lists and an appointment for April 23, I found Meadowlark Pharmacy already has it and can do me TODAY!!!! Happy! Overjoyed! Excited! Can't wait!!!! (And yes I canceled all the other appts)
People look to govt to provide an indication of where we are, how serious this is, and what we need to do next. As long as
@jkenney
refuses to act, some people will assume it "can't be that bad" and take risks, either out of ignorance or exhaustion.
2) What is the likelihood of getting seriously ill after a single dose?
3) What is the likelihood of spreading it to others after a single dose?
4) What is the likelihood of getting Long COVID after a single dose?
5) Any differences in the above stats depending on the brand?
Soon to be for sale: my dear late Mum's house and rose garden in Ottewell. (insert heartache here) Comes with a blue jay who shows up at the window every day expecting peanuts. No joke, feeding this guy will be a condition of the sale.
THREAD: Yesterday, my sister and I went through my late Mum's jewelry, alternating choices until everything was divided. I was called to this necklace because I have distinct childhood memories of Mum wearing it. When I put it on, I saw something I had never noticed before.
Sarah was understandably irritated. I'm sure he was just trying to calm the waters and bring the show back on track, but there's nothing worse, as a woman who is trying to get a point across, to have a man restate it and suddenly because it's coming from man it "makes good sense"
Attention all school boards
#ASBA
@michaeljanz
In July, a Calgary law firm filed a class action lawsuit against Cargill Ltd., alleging Cargill ought to have known "that the lack of protective measures would affect not only their own employees, but those close to them as well."
This is a photo of my Dad, taken around the time I was born. He died on Thursday. I am at a loss for words. If your Dad is still alive, do me a favour and call him. You only get one Dad and he is part of you, always.
Does it ever hit you that this is it? This one life. And no matter how much you try to pack in there will still be countless places you will never see, languages you will never understand, relationships you will never have, books you will never read...
Thinking about
@edmontonpolice
choice to send officers on bikes to the
#BLM
protest. Smart. No extra protection, no ramming vehicles, no riot gear, faces visible. On the same ground. Human. This is where we need to start.
@AdrianaLaGrange
A few typos in your statement, here I will fix it for you: "I am so proud of the incredible teachers we have in this province and our scores confirm the excellent work they do day in, day out with our students. The credit lies with them."
#ATA
#NotAboutYou
Well, it finally happened!! I got my 1st batch of hate mail, complete with insults about my intelligence and my physical appearance. It's taken a long time: 15 years, in fact! And what got their knickers in a knot? My tweet about Big Trucks. Well, you know what they say....
TRUST parents who have been walking this impossible journey the past year with their children.
By placing your trust in all these dedicated Albertans, you might earn a bit of their trust.
Thank you,
Sue Huff
Former
#EPSB
trustee
@ABSchoolBoards
#ATA
#asca
@PublicSchoolsAB
Want to thank
@sarahhoyles
&
@ryanjespersen
for initiating a very interesting (and important) series of conversations between my husband and myself. We are learning a lot about how often we interrupt each other, creating space for others, why men "hold court", why women shut down
If I was at the microphone:
A young child has died of COVID. I can't imagine the pain this family is experiencing. For the parents, the grandparents, the aunties, uncles, cousins who cherished this little child, life is forever changed. Teachers, friends, neighbours are hurting.
Over the last seven days, more people have died in Alberta than in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, PEI, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, NWT and Yukon combined. An appalling tragedy is taking place here.
#ableg
#COVID19AB
To every parent facing gut-twisting anxiety about the fall because of the absolute rudderlessness of
@AdrianaLaGrange
...I'm so sorry.
#EPSB
must be very relieved I'm not on the Board of Trustees, because I would be a dangerous ball of fury.
@TheFigen
this is what great teachers do: break down a complex task into small, achievable components, provide clear instructions, focused corrections, and tons of encouragement.
I have said it before and I will say it again, people who think "all politicians are the same and it doesn't matter who you vote for" are NOT paying attention in Alberta. Time and time again, decisions made by
#UCP
government have had drastic, life-altering consequences.
When teachers say, we are suffering burnout and need your support, you don't seem to respond to that need in real and tangible ways. When Principals say the extra burden of contact tracing hundreds of kids on the weekend is causing enormous stress, you don't respond.
When they say our numbers of COVID are too high and this is affecting staff morale and an overall sense of safety in the school, you aren't listening. When they say, it's time to go online so we can continue learning and support everyone's wellbeing, you say no.
When trustees and parents say they have concerns about the curriculum, you tell them their input is not valuable, that you prefer to listen to those who pilot the new curriculum instead. At the basis of all of these reactions is a lack of trust in the people you lead and serve.
So please TRUST them. If they ask you to go online, it's because it is the only thing that makes sense and it is necessary. TRUST the Principals who tell you they have evaluated the situation carefully. TRUST your former colleagues, trustees, that they are making good decisions.
@jkenney
@CMOH_Alberta
Your announcement yesterday was utterly demoralizing to the MANY Albertans who have diligently followed the rules for years. It fills us with dread about the severity of the 5th wave and how we will ALL be impacted because you couldn't hold the line.
Sarah's comments at the end were very direct: get out of the way, let people speak for themselves. I'm glad she didn't back down. I hope she doesn't quit, as people have suggested. I think Ryan can learn valuable lessons from Sarah. Otherwise, why is she there?
When a man interrupts a woman to challenge her thinking, it feels confrontational and maybe even dangerous. The power imbalance becomes obvious and a lot of women shut down. Sarah didn't, but I'm guessing it took a lot of energy for her to remain composed. Especially live on air.
Men jump in because they are excited, disagree, want to challenge, or just want the chance to speak again. It is so habitual they often don't realize they are doing it. Women also interrupt each other and talk over, but typically women are doing it to agree or add on.
a friend over for dinner at her house. There is no logic to it. If restaurants were closed for indoor dining, it would make more sense to her that ALL indoor locations are risky. On top of that, whether she believed it or not, she wouldn't be exposed to other restaurant patrons.
Investing in renewable technologies that are on the rise (solar/hydro/wind) instead of energy that is losing investors isn't a "Trudeau" move, it's a wise financial move. This is exactly why pensions should NOT be directed by politicians.
Danielle Smith just casually defending potentially investing teacher pensions funds to prop up the oil and gas industry in the face of a global divestment movement. FFS.
#ableg
#abpoli
#cdnpoli
#canpoli
If we made masks mandatory on busy sidewalks, most people would adhere to it. Just like we did when they became mandatory indoors in Aug. If schools went online again for 2 weeks after Easter, we would stop spread there and all the upheaval of sending cohorts home.
@CMOH_Alberta
Can you please make wearing masks mandatory inside all public buildings, businesses & stores? I feel like the lone ranger out there protecting everyone else's health while few seem concerned about protecting mine. Disappointed
@RealCdnSS
hasn't made it mandatory for staff.
Teachers are my husband's school need to go online now. They have 300+ kids out as close contacts, the school is being hollowed out by COVID. Teachers don't want to go online. Teaching in person is easier, more fun, and more rewarding. They LIKE seeing the kids.
It made me smile. And I felt like my difference was perfectly OK. So if you are the black sheep in your family and feel like you don't fit, look at this necklace and know, you are exactly as you should be. You bring contrast and beauty to this world and we are lucky to have you!
You could sense the power imbalance when the new-guy-who- isn't-Sam (I will get to know him, promise) felt the need to jump in and defend some of Sarah's points. What was interesting was hearing how Ryan's demeanour changed at this point. He took it down a notch.
Addendum:
6) Do the new variants change the above information?
7) If so, how can the public stay informed about their local conditions ?
8) What is the risk to children under 12 who can't be vaccinated currently?
9) When can parents expect a vaccine for children under 12?
It is important to know all this because it is the basis of trust and without trust it is very difficult to lead effectively. And I'm not convinced you trust teachers, principals and trustees. They are telling you things that you need to hear, but you don't seem to believe them.
Washing the dishes from our outdoor Thanksgiving dinner and I was reminded of that wonderful tweet from
@JulieRohrYEG
about saving the dishes for the next day so she could be reminded of the wonderful time spent over the meal together. It turned a chore into an act of gratitude.
@OmarMosleh
@edwinmundt
My son accompanied some young women wearing hijabs who were on the sidewalk crossing nearby the rally where the white supremacists were yelling. He told me afterwards, "I felt scared. I can't imagine what they were feeling." He also said, "Mum, I live in a bubble."
White men: 14
Bald white men: 1
Women: 0
Children : 0
People of colour: 0
People with disabilities: 0
Shots of community: 0
Arts/festivals/parades: 0
Animals: 3
Male animals: 2 (maybe 3)
Flags: 5
"Your Alberta" is sadly lacking and your
#PeopleofDestiny
, aren't.
Alberta is the best place in Canada to live, work, play and raise a family.
On
#AlbertaDay
, let us celebrate all we have achieved and have yet to achieve as a province and people of destiny.
#ableg
Here's what I hope they take from this important, if uncomfortable, exchange:
Sarah has a voice.
When stuff hits close to the bone (as clearly this did, for both), they need to own what they are feeling FIRST.
Ryan needs to control his urge to interrupt.
Disagreements are OK.
I hope as well that you believe in teachers and that they have the best interests of children at heart. I have been married to a teacher for a long time and I've seen the care, the worry, the dedication, the extra hours, & the effort that goes into this profession up close.
So teachers are expected to:
work in closed spaces w/o universal masking, be ready to teach most kids in the classroom and some at home, sanitize things between classes, keep students social distancing, & stay well...all while knowing that any day, it could all go online again?
It's official.
@AdrianaLaGrange
is providing no additional funds for school relaunch. No plan for more substitutes; gave up on social distancing; expects teachers to enact enhanced cleaning protocols. The UCP is creating an unsafe environment for staff & students
#ableg
#abpoli
This weekend, I chatted with my husband's cousin Friday. She's a climate scientist, taking ice samples from the Canadian arctic.
Me: That must be sad work.
Her: Yes, and scary.
Me: So how f---ed are we?
Her: Oh, we're f---ed. Mass migration north and inland will be necessary.
Everywhere you look there are people arguing about everything; focusing on everything but the fact the one planet we are on is destabilising. Billions may die, potentially. It should be our number one focus. It simply isn't understood.
Can he do this? It seems like a huge over-reach. How would other Albertans feel if they were told they couldn't close their business and move to more favourable conditions because the guy who made the working conditions untenable said they couldn't leave??
The good news: the kid's parents did the right thing. They kept the student at home when a family member tested positive and awaited their results. They notified the school immediately. So, thank you parents for reducing the risk to my husband and all the kids in their class.
My Dad, aged 80, got his second vaccine this week so today I gave him a quick hug (still wearing a mask) and that has made today a great day for me. :)
This morning I watched a family member's funeral by webcast. It is such a sad and empty way to say goodbye. My condolences to anyone who has lost someone during this time and has to endure grief in this disconnected and sterile way.
#covidsucks
Not to mention the fact that teachers are also providing enormous psychological support to kids whose families are experiencing de-stabilization and stress. Please don't undervalue the work being done by our teachers
@jkenney
.
#ATA
#abed
I know teachers who are making a lot of one-on-one calls to homes that are struggling, arranging for technology or paper pick ups, reaching out after hours to kids who have lost all routines. Perhaps
@AdrianaLaGrange
should inform the Premier of all the work happening.
Who takes a child's body and puts it in an unmarked grave rather than notify the parents and let them bury their child with dignity? Who can do that 215 times? The cruelty, the lack of human empathy, the raw racism is so hard to comprehend. Genocide is the only word that fits.
I know there are a few teachers who don't bring all of this to their job. Like any profession, there are some who try to get by with the minimum effort but they are the exception in teaching. Those who don't invest themselves in the work are only cheating themselves in the end.
Any other Alberta campers notice a marked increase in drunken, loutish, entitled, Jerk Behaviour this weekend? Been going to same campground for 20+ yrs & this was a first for us: guys in next site SCREAMING obscenties at 4 AM. Pls bring back
#WarOnFun
cuz this sucks!
#ableg
Last night at 7 PM, I walked out my front door and banged a pot. No one else was with me and I couldn't hear a single other pot or horn. But I did it because we have 3 or 4 healthcare workers on our block. This morning, texts are flying around & more will be joining me tonight.
NEW:
- 18 new COVID deaths reported in Alberta
- 1491 in hospital (-9), incl 116 in ICU (-5
- 813 cases on 4041 tests (20.1%)
#yeg
#yyc
#ableg
#covid19ab
@cspotweet
I was just thinking "man, his hair looks good"....but I can't tweet that because it would be shallow and objectifying. So thanks for this. :)
When I wrote this thread this morning, I didn't expect that my husband would be the next one sent home. One of his kids has tested positive and he (and everyone else in the class) is considered a close contact. This is his/our first time. So I guess we have been lucky til now.
If
@jkenney
wants to tell new doctors where they have to work, he should cover their tuition fees and have an agreement in place prior (like the military does). Otherwise, back up, sir. You are way over the line.
My husband will be finishing up his residency in this province soon— and I can promise you that we have goals in our life that don’t include Jason Kenny telling us where we should live. I would sooner leave Alberta. ✌🏻
#ableg