Protecting health services from COVID-19 liability

The proposed legislation would extend COVID-19 civil liability protection to those in the health-care sector who have rigorously followed public-health orders and guidance throughout the pandemic. Civil liability protection specific to COVID-19 does not exist in the Public Health Act or any other legislation in Alberta.

Alberta, as in other jurisdictions in Canada and around the world, continues to grapple with the unforeseen impacts due to COVID-19. The proposed bill is similar to legislation introduced across Canada, such as in British Columbia and Ontario, and the proposed approach in Saskatchewan.

The proposed legislation strikes a balance between protecting those who have dutifully followed the rules with still permitting civil action to proceed against those whose actions may have been grossly negligent. Providing COVID-19 civil liability protection assures the health system can continue to deliver health services to Albertans without fear of being exposed to lawsuits and claims caused by exposure to COVID-19.

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