Opinion

If Canada starts to let American visitors across the border this summer, they must support communities like Canmore and Banff with the ability to enforce quarantine rules to prevent new cases of COVID-19 from being brought into our towns and spread around through tourism

Both communities are considering options. But Banff has more time to get ready, with Parks Canada sticking to its decision to keep national parks closed until at least May 31. 

COVID-19 is exposing numerous cracks in our social fabric. The future for community groups and the social service providers is full of uncertainty and precarious plans.

With the pandemic affecting so many aspects of our lives, some municipalities may have to reassess their financial viability.

Calgary is home to 1.3 million people who have been cooped up inside for seven weeks. It is also the jurisdiction with the highest rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases. It is easy to empathize with the desire to head into the mountains for a hike, but when the enjoyment of nature comes at the expense of spreading the coronavirus in rural communities – Canmore residents have reason to be concerned. 

How can the minister of health on one hand publicly declare that Alberta's doctors earn too much and savings must be found to be fiscally responsible, and on the other hold press conferences to announce new funding to support frontline workers during a health crisis?