It’s All in the Definition

We are inundated with many messages surrounding COVID-19 and the effects of the devastating restrictions. It is overwhelming to sort through that information and discern the truth. It is important to have clear definitions for the terms being used, as statements can take on different meanings depending on how one understands those definitions. This causes confusion and misunderstanding. Take for example some of the statements made by Premier Jason Kenney.

“It’s important to remind people that we are not and never have been in a lockdown in this province.”

 – Premier Jason Kenney February 19, 2021

Depending on their understanding of the term “lockdown,” people respond very differently to the message conveyed.

*Definition of lockdown:

• a temporary condition imposed by governmental authorities (as during the outbreak of an epidemic disease) in which people are required to stay in their homes and refrain from or limit activities outside the home involving public contact (such as dining out or attending large gatherings)

For almost a year now, Albertans have been under a broad range of government restrictions greatly impacting our freedom to work, attend church, travel, interact with others, and breathe without hinderance.  Alberta has been in lockdown.

“Here in Alberta, over 95% of businesses are able to operate without significant restrictions from public health measures.” – Premier Jason Kenney, January 29, 2021

*Definition of significant:

• large enough to be noticed or have an effect

It’s difficult to fathom that many businesses in Alberta have not noticed or been affected by the restrictions imposed on them. Some have been shut down for prolonged periods of time, and others have been limited to 15% capacity or one-on-one service.  It remains to be seen how many will close permanently due to bankruptcy.

“able to operate”—What does this mean? Some may interpret this to mean that businesses are open and viable, but is this really the case?  We often hear references to businesses being open, while listing the many restrictions they are under. This is sending mixed messages that begs the question of what “open” means and whether these businesses may be “able to operate,” or temporarily function, while losing their long-term viability.

*Definition of open:

• not repressed by legal controls
• free from checking or hampering restraints.

*Definition of viable:

• having a reasonable chance of succeeding
• financially sustainable 

Allowing Alberta businesses the ability to “operate” under debilitating restrictions does not constitute allowing them to be truly open and viable. The viability of many businesses in Alberta right now is questionable, regardless of the fact that they may be currently functioning in some capacity. When communicating with others, we need clarity. Using the traditional definitions of these words, Alberta needs to end the lockdowns and to get our businesses open and viable before any more livelihoods are destroyed.

*All definitions from: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary copyright © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated

Beth Wiens

Gary Wiens

Cindy Tippe

Rhonalyn Carpenter

Dan Harder

Connie Harder

Deanne Trewin

On behalf of Mountain View Freedom