Albertans deserved a post-pandemic review. Instead, they got misinformation cloaked in science

After two years and $2-million, the Alberta COVID-19 Pandemic Data Review Task Force report was quietly posted Friday by the Alberta government. Headed by physician and former United Conservative Party candidate Dr. Gary Davidson, the task force lost several initial members, leaving a small group known to be staunchly opposed to vaccines and public health measures – presumably just the contrarian perspectives Premier Danielle Smith was seeking.A rapidly mutating virus, evolving messaging, and changing public health rules created a confusing time during the pandemic. As physicians and co-chairs of Alberta Health Services’ former COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Group, we saw scientific evidence move at an unprecedented pace. Decision-makers tried to balance legitimate opposing concerns in the interest of public safety, particularly challenging given the complexity of the effects of public health measures. We had previously advocated for a postpandemic review to ensure the best possible response in the future. But this is not the report we need.