Alberta Seeks to Give Elected Officials Decision-Making Power in Emergencies, Instead of Medical Officer of Health

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Justice Mickey Amery stand together during the swearing in of her cabinet, in Edmonton on June 9, 2023. Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

A new bill proposed in Alberta would give politicians the decision-making authority in times of a public health emergency rather than having it rest solely in the hands of the provincial medical officer.

Bill 6 was tabled on Thursday by Justice Minister Mickey Amery in response to a Court of Kings Bench decision that noted public officials had made decisions during the COVID pandemic that should legally have been in the hands of the chief medical officer.