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But the NDP’s favourable outlook on the seniors advocate changed when she began to scrutinize their government.
The first how-dare-she grumblings began in mid-pandemic when Mackenzie called for expanded visitation rights for the relatives of residents of locked-down care facilities. The breach widened when she spoke out repeatedly about the need for on-the-spot testing of staff to curb spread of COVID-19 in long-term care.
The most commonly available rapid test was reckoned to be no more than 70 per cent accurate. But as Mackenzie noted, “even if it is only 50 per cent sensitive, it is better than zero per cent sensitive, which is what we have now.”
The response from the government side was a far cry from the days when New Democrats sought an advocate who was as independent as she was empowered.
“With great respect to the seniors advocate, this is not her area of expertise,” huffed Health Minister Adrian Dix.
Premier Horgan did not even bother with the pose of respect when he was asked about the call for rapid testing from Mackenzie and others.
“I take my advice not from the internet but from Dr. Henry,” he told Richard Zussman in a year-end interview with Global TV.
“She (Dr. Henry) is telling me that this is not the time to implement rapid testing in long-term care facilities because it will just lead to more false positives that will lead to more confusion, staff staying home.
“People,” he complained, “don’t think things through when they say this would be the easiest thing to do.”
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