Until recently, little was known about a group of Alberta doctors tasked by Premier Danielle Smith with reviewing how health data was used to inform decision-making during the pandemic.

The task force is led by Dr. Gary Davidson, who publicly questioned during the height of the pandemic how the government was using data to justify lockdowns.

Information about the task force came to light April 23 via documents obtained by the Globe and Mail. Ms. Smith answered reporter questions at the legislature later that day, defending the choice of Dr. Davidson to lead the review.

“I needed somebody who was going to look at everything that happened with some fresh eyes and maybe with a little bit of a contrarian perspective because we’ve only ever been given one perspective,” Ms. Smith said.