(CHAT News Today)

By Canadian Press

Court dismisses application to overturn removal of mask mandates in Alberta schools

Feb 15, 2022 | 11:26 AM

An Alberta judge has dismissed an application for an injunction against the province’s decision to lift a mask mandate in schools.

The Alberta Federation of Labour says it had asked for the injunction on behalf of five parents of immunocompromised children.

READ MORE: Alberta union, parents ask court to halt decision to lift mask mandate in schools

It argued that children are being forced to choose between their education and their lives.

However, Justice Grant Dunlop ruled that there is no evidence of irreparable harm.

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Premier Jason Kenney says the application was ridiculous and it’s time to let kids be kids.

“We believe that it’s time to let kids be kids. As of today, masks are no longer mandatory at school. The NDP Labour Federation went to court to force kids to wear masks indefinitely – and lost! NDP lose, kids win,” Kenney tweeted on Monday.

Lawyers say they plan on submitting another injunction application.

The union is also challenging an announcement by Education Minister Adrianna LaGrange that schools boards can’t bring in their own COVID-19 measures to override the province.

Last week, the province announced its plan to lift public health measures.

READ MORE: Alberta begins lifting COVID restrictions

Starting Monday, Feb. 14, students in schools are no longer required to wear face coverings.

As well, children 12 and under no longer have to wear masks in any setting.

(The Canadian Press)