Central Peace-Notley MLA Todd Loewen says his constituents want to see fewer restrictions in the region.
In a Facebook post over the weekend, Loewen said he would continue to advocate for a regional approach to public health rules related to COVID-19.
The UCP MLA says, in-part, on his page,
“I have a responsibility to my constituents and the needs of this area. Sometimes, that means even disagreeing with the Premier. I believe Alberta’s business owners are generous and responsible—they are responsible for their employees, families, bills, and taxes. They support our local non-profit organizations, our children’s sport teams, and many other organizations in our communities.
Lately, a huge number of my constituents and local leaders have told me that the harms of restrictions are causing irreparable harm. You have told us that the government’s COVID response lacks balance and fairness. “
The Trending 55 Newsroom caught up with Loewen and he tells us the numbers suggest a relaxing of restrictions in the region.
“When we look at Alberta, there are substantially less cases, less hospitalizations and the numbers have proven that since the beginning,” says Loewen.
He refers to the stories he hears on a daily basis from small businesses as “heartbreaking.”
“Employers have to lay off employees and businesses shutting down, people selling everything and walking away from their businesses, it’s incredibly sad to see that,” explains Loewen.
“I guess there are some people in Alberta that never had that responsibility of directly looking into the eye of an employee and having to let them go; it’s stressful on both sides.”
Loewen referenced a difficult situation in which he tells us a business in the riding had to lay off 12 employees just before Christmas.
“That mental toll is only further exacerbated by the current restrictions.”
Loewen adds he will continue to advocate for a regional approach and also pointed out that there are fewer than 50 perople in the hospital in the north zone at this time.
You can hear our conversation with Loewen below.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
