Dear Health Minister – Your Thoughts On The N.C.I. Please

Dear Minister LaGrange,

  I have been following the progress of the National Citizens Inquiry as the only available publicly documented history thus far of the impact of the COVID pandemic experienced by all Canadians. I am sure that your office is aware of the many studies and testimonies that are making their way into public media and discourse in Alberta and abroad. There are still many questions that deserve answers and further transparency, accountability and action is required.

  I have personally been affected by the negative consequences of COVID protocols that were enacted in Alberta and know of many others who have experienced illness and loss among their families and friends. I remain moved by the story and testimony of Sheila Annette Lewis who died tragically and needlessly. There are too many stories and testimonies that remain to be heard – that must be heard if we are to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

  Has your ministry and the office of the Premier been exposed to the important work of the National Citizen’s Inquiry? Are their testimonies and recommendations being considered? While some of the recent changes to Alberta Health Services are encouraging it should also be considered that, as with any health care, examination, diagnosis, mitigation, intervention for recovery are key. For Albertans to truly recover, heal and move forward from this past experience, transparency and accountability must also take place. Trust in this important institution must be re-established. Is the government of Alberta and your ministry committed to this healing and recovery process?

  Following is an excerpt from The National Citizen’s Inquiry. I have provided a link to the N.C.I. website below.

1. TO LISTEN to the stories of Canadians impacted by the health protection measures adopted, and to the testimonies of experts, including those whose narratives differ from the governmental narrative.

• 3-out-of-4 Canadians report having been harmed by Canada’s COVID-19 policies.
• In particular, Canadians expressed harms concerning isolation, increased divorce or family tension, disruptions to the lives of children and students, job and income losses, business failures, increased mental and physical health stress, reduced healthcare quality, and limitations on rights and freedoms.

2. TO LEARN what went right and what went wrong during the past three years, and what are the lessons to be learned from Canada’s COVID-19 experience?

3. TO RECOMMEND ways and means of ensuring that any future national crises are better managed, harms mitigated, and trust in public institutions upheld.

  I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Al Neitsch

National Citizens Inquiry