Health-care worker’s apparent middle finger to Smith draws mixed reaction online

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

If that’s the case, an Alberta health-care worker did a lot of talking with her hands – and it led to quite more than a thousand words on social media.

At an event Tuesday during which Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party renewed their public health-care guarantee, a health worker was caught on camera seemingly giving the premier the middle finger.

The Canadian Press’ Jason Franson took a handful of photos of the woman in a medical smock and mask, with her arms crossed and finger extended – a universal gesture that requires little explanation.

A health-care worker gives the middle finger as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces a public health guarantee in Sherwood Park, Alta., Tuesday, April 11, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Though it’s unclear if the worker meant to flip the bird or if the hand placement was accidental and blown out of proportion, it certainly got people talking.

“These photos, I love them,” wrote one Twitter user. “So much there. The finger, obviously. The ID card flipped. The direct stare right into the camera.”

“She is a prime example of how politicized medicine has become,” wrote another. “Just stick to healthcare and drop the activist attitude. You’re not impressing anyone.”

I honestly didn't expect to have to write a story on the role of the middle finger in the 2023 Alberta election, and yet here we are.

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) April 11, 2023

https://twitter.com/what_now2021/status/1646181227521773568

Others needed few words to express their feelings.

“Alberta politics is the best,” tweeted Alex Banks.

“She is all of us,” wrote Michael.

READ MORE: UCP commit to public health care; NDP points to previous private options

The moment was captured as Smith pledged the UCP would be sticking with publicly funded health care and not axe any services. It’s a similar promise to one made by former Premier Jason Kenney prior to the last election.

The Alberta NDP has accused the UCP government of trying to replace the province’s public system with a private one, using the premier’s old comments against her.

Health care will continue to be a hot-button issue ahead of the spring election, with the writ dropping May 1.