Alberta justice minister accuses opposition, the media, federal government of wanting a COVID-19 disaster

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Alberta’s Justice Minister claims the provincial NDP, the media and the federal Liberals wanted the healthcare system to become overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kaycee Madu’s comment on his Facebook page Friday was part of his defence of new health restrictions aimed at reversing soaring case rates in Alberta.

Madu said he agrees that a majority of people who contract the virus will make a full recovery but it’s not a reason to wait until the health care system becomes overwhelmed, leaving patients gasping for breath in field hospitals.

READ MORE: Are new orders helping to enforce restrictions in Alberta too little too late?

“My point is that I don’t think it will be responsible to simply wait until we have a disaster on our hands. That’s what the NDP, the media and the federal Liberals were looking for and want. We simply couldn’t allow that to happen,” the comment read.

“While I hear the anger and disappointment of our people, I will continue to urge calm, patience and cooperation as we near the end of this pandemic. I ask that we don’t tear ourselves down and hand over Alberta to the NDP.”

NDP Critic for Health, David Shepherd, called Madu’s comments despicable, demanding him to apologize in a statement issued Monday.

“Our Opposition Caucus has always called for more support for our frontline healthcare heroes, essential workers, and all the Albertans who have suffered immensely through this pandemic. Madu and his colleagues have ignored medical advice, fought a war with doctors, and threatened 11,000 frontline healthcare workers with layoffs.”

READ MORE: Alberta identifies 1,597 new COVID-19 cases, positivity rate of 11.4%

Madu’s comment come after Premier Jason Kenney recently said this isn’t the time to point fingers and politicize the fight against COVID-19.

Madu’s spokesman declined to explain the minister’s comments, but added that Madu won’t apologize for stating the obvious.

– With files from the Canadian Press

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