AMA statement regarding the report of the Alberta COVID-19 Pandemic Data Review Task Force

The provincial government has released a report regarding Alberta’s response to the unprecedented and devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the report’s release, many colleagues and experts have commented eloquently on the deficiencies and biases it presents. I fully agree with these concerns.
 
This report is anti-science and anti-evidence. It advances misinformation. It speaks against the broadest, and most diligent, international scientific collaboration and consensus in history. Through science and evidence, we were able to learn together while observing and adjusting to the twists and turns of COVID’s destructive evolution. Science and evidence brought us through and saved millions of lives.  
 
This report sows distrust. It criticizes proven preventive public health measures while advancing fringe approaches. It makes recommendations for the future that have real potential to cause harm.
 
At a time when our hospitals are struggling to stay afloat and patients are waiting for care every hour of every day, the $2 million price tag for this product could have been much better spent.
 
Alberta Medical Association