“On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, Councillor Buchanan responded to a citizen’s social media post related to public health orders and business openings.
As elected officials, we have a responsibility to our citizens, our community and the public we serve to uphold the law and to respect public health orders, regardless of our personal positions.
Councillor Buchanan’s comments are not in alignment with The City of Red Deer’s pandemic response. His comments are not in alignment with The Province of Alberta’s mandated public health orders. As elected officials, we are held to higher standards, and at a time when citizens and businesses are expected to abide by provincial law, elected officials must also share information and act in ways that honour and respect these expectations.
Upon reading Councillor Buchanan’s comments, I immediately contacted him to request his post be removed as his remarks directly contravene The City’s duty to fulfill provincial health orders. At this time a formal review of this incident has been initiated to ensure accountability, transparency and responsible government.
The formal review will respect due process and will adhere to all City of Red Deer and City Council procedures, policies and bylaws in fulfilling our duty to the public.
At this time, it is imperative our citizens know that City Council and The City of Red Deer are committed to upholding all public health orders and ensuring we prioritize public safety, while at the same time doing everything we can to support our local businesses, and entrepreneurs across all sectors, who are struggling amidst the continuing pandemic. We are acutely aware and sensitive to the many challenges of the pandemic and associated public health orders. Like you, we look forward to a time when we no longer have to contend with Covid-19 and its many impacts.”
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications
The City of Red Deer