Premier Jason Kenney -- LNN

By Dori Modney

Kenney televised address lays out raw numbers moving forward

Apr 7, 2020 | 6:22 PM

EDMONTON, AB. — On Tuesday (Apr 7) morning, Premier Jason Kenney told an energy industry conference that there may be 25 per cent unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic possibly more.

In a televised address to the province in the evening, Kenney laid out how the province is facing not one crisis, but three.

First, the greatest threat to public health in a century, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second, the shutdown of much of the economy here and around the world, leading to a deep global recession.

Third, a collapse of global energy prices that threatens our largest industry, and with it hundreds of thousands of jobs.

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He noted that all of this follows five years of economic fragility for our province.

The premier stated the first priority is protecting the health of Albertans, at a time when damage to our economy is also having a real impact on the health and well-being of Albertans. He shared some encouraging news.

“The rate of Albertans hospitalized with Covid-19 – and those in an ICU – is much lower than the other large provinces: Ontario, Quebec and BC. However, those provinces saw their first cases before we did, so we might still catch up to their numbers. You’ve probably heard about the “curve” of infections. That’s the rate at which infections grow in a country or region.”

However, under the “probable scenario,” it’s now projected that Alberta will hit the peak of infections in mid-May. From the beginning of the outbreak to the end of summer we could see as many as 800,000 infections, and between 400 and 3,100 deaths.

“Under the more serious but less likely “elevated scenario” we would see infections peak at the beginning of May, with as many as 1 million infections, and between 500 and 6,600 deaths.”

The models suggest we won’t be able to start relaxing social distancing measures until the end of May.

Kenney stated that on Wednesday (Apr 8), he will provide more details on expanding the capacity of hospitals and that the province has given AHS an extra $500 million for the fight against COVID-19.

He said the government would spare no expense to prevent the spread, while providing the best possible care to those who need it.

As for the economy, he said Alberta’s budget deficit this year may triple from $7 billion to almost $20 billion. We will face a great fiscal reckoning in the future.

In that vein, Kenney noted, “We have begun discussions with US leaders about a coordinated defence of North American energy independence to protect us from the reckless actions of those regimes.

“It is also why we made an historic investment to start construction on the Keystone XL Pipeline. With this, we have taken control of our economic destiny, demonstrating real confidence in our future. We have appointed an Economic Recovery Council, made up of some of our province’s brightest minds, to develop a plan to get us through the crisis, and emerge with a stronger, more diversified economy.”

The Premier sais he knew know that many Albertans are fearful of what lies ahead. But, he reminded his audience:

“The character of Albertans is coming through in countless acts of kindness. Charities, faith groups, businesses and individuals are all fighting the pandemic. Delivering groceries to elderly neighbours. Babysitting so that essential service workers can go to work. Contributing to food banks and homeless shelters. Donating medical supplies like masks and sanitizer. We are showing what we are made of.”