Summarised by Centrist
The Final Report of the Alberta COVID Pandemic Data Review Task Force, commissioned by the province’s premier, Danielle Smith, criticises lockdowns and vaccine mandates while recommending a different approach to future public health crises.
Rather than engage with its 269 pages of findings, the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) and dozens of doctors have dismissed it outright—without serious debate.
The AMA’s response was a 64-word statement condemning the report as “biased” and “anti-science.” Days later, 48 doctors and academics signed an open letter demanding the report’s rejection, with more signatories reportedly joining.
Yet the letter barely engages with the report’s evidence, focusing instead on defending the mRNA vaccine and dismissing ivermectin. While citing 29 sources, the letter relies heavily on appeals to authority rather than scientific inquiry.
Furthermore, the letter falsely claims the report calls for halting mRNA vaccines altogether, when in fact it only advises against vaccinating children and recommends fully informing adults of risks. Based on this distortion, signatories accuse the report of “impeding access to vaccination” and violating “public health principles.”
Instead of responding with rigorous scientific debate, Alberta’s medical elite insists its authority is beyond question. They refuse to engage with evidence, dismiss dissenting views as “fringe,” and suggest the government’s pandemic response was flawless.
As writer John Carpay argues, “Hopefully, these doctors will have a change of heart, and take the time to read the Final Report and respond thoughtfully to all its findings and recommendations.”
