The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has added its voice to the chorus of organizations calling on the government to keep COVID-19 vaccinations free and accessible for all Albertans.
ATA president Jason Schilling sent a letter to Health Minister Adriana LaGrange and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides today, outlining the important role of vaccines in keeping our schools a safe place for students, teachers, staff and families.
“Classrooms are inherently crowded, high-contact environments, and we have witnessed first-hand how rapidly COVID-19 can spread in such settings.”
Jason Schilling, ATA president
Schilling points out that since the government recently passed Bill 27, which amended the Education Act to make school closures due to an emergency significantly more difficult, it is of the utmost importance that all staff and students have every tool available to keep them healthy and safe, free of cost.
“If it is the expectation of the government to have schools always remain open, then it is imperative that those working in and attending schools be encouraged to take preventative health measures and, to this end, have access to free vaccines.”
Jason Schilling, ATA president
The ATA joins the Alberta Medical Association, United Nurses of Alberta and several other health-care unions calling for the reversal of the government’s plan to make Albertans pay for the COVID-19 vaccination.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, supports teachers’ professional practice, and serves as the advocate for its 46,000 members.