AB Gov’t cancels drone surveillance request for proposals

A short-lived request for proposals would have brought the Government of Alberta one step closer to using drones to ensure campers are complying with public health orders.  The request was for a contractor to deliver to ground personnel data and footage of detected campfires, Off Highway Vehicles in restricted areas, and gatherings of 10 or more individuals during holidays/weekends from June to October.  The request which went live on May 14 drew criticism from many Albertans, including Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes. Barnes says he is relieved to see that the controversial request was cancelled on Tuesday afternoon.