ADVERTISEMENT

Edmonton

Here's who will help Preston Manning with Alberta's COVID-19 response review

Published: 

The Alberta legislature can be seen in this file photo.

The Alberta government has revealed who else will be working with retired politician Preston Manning on a review of Alberta's COVID-19 response.

The panel has been given a $2-million budget by Danielle Smith's government to produce a report by Nov. 15.

Manning's $253,000 appointment was announced mid-January.

Joining Manning, the provincial government announced on Friday, will be:

  • McMaster University's Dr. Martha Fulford, who consults on infectious diseases and is a member of Ontario's Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee’s Communicable Diseases Committee;
  • The University of Calgary's Jack Mintz, former board member of Alberta Health Services and Imperial Oil Limited;
  • Montreal Economic Institute president Michel Kelly-Gagnon, who previously served as president of the Quebec Employers Council;
  • The former Supreme Court of Canada justice John (Jack) Major, who retired in 2005; and
  • Dr. Rob Tanguay, psychiatrist from the University of Calgary and co-founder and chief medical officer of The Newly Institute, a disability and rehabilitation program.

Smith said in a statement she was "thrilled with the scope, experience and outstanding credentials these panel members bring to the review."

The panel is tasked with reviewing "the legislation that guided Alberta’s response to COVID-19 and recommend changes to improve the handling of future public health emergencies for Albertans."

It will examine not only public health during the pandemic, but mental health, children's education, economic effects and the protection of rights and freedoms.

An initial report and recommendations is due by the end of June.

  • Former Reform Party leader Preston Manning to get $253K to chair Alberta COVID-19 panel
  • 'Bizarre' fictional COVID-19 report, penned by Preston Manning, resurfaces on social media