Ex-Health Officer Criticizes Alberta's Role in Measles Outbreaks
Canada has officially lost its measles elimination status, a designation held since 1998, with Alberta bearing significant responsibility for the country’s current public health crisis. The Public Health Agency of Canada announced on November 10, 2025, that sustained transmission for over 12 months, predominantly within under-vaccinated communities, led to this critical reversal.
Former Alberta chief medical officer, Dr. James Talbot, has sharply criticized the provincial government's contribution to the recent outbreaks, stating Alberta should be "embarrassed" by its role and stressing an urgent need for improved health policies and vaccination rates. Alberta has reported 1,956 cases since outbreaks began in March 2025, contributing to Canada's total of 5,138 measles cases nationwide as of late October 2025.
In Calgary, while specific case numbers were not immediately available, the broader provincial situation is a concern. Experts from the University of Calgary, including microbiology professor Craig Jenne, have noted Alberta's significant per capita growth in measles cases across North America. Vaccination rates in the Calgary zone for children aged two were around 75 percent in 2023, falling short of the 95 percent required for robust community immunity. Compounding the issue, Alberta does not mandate proof of vaccination for public school attendance, a policy difference from some other provinces.
The provincial government has indicated a recent drop in cases and has implemented targeted vaccination campaigns, expanding clinic hours to increase uptake. However, the national loss of elimination status serves as a stark reminder for Calgary and all Alberta communities about the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect public health.
