In April, Premier Jason Kenney promised the "best summer in Alberta's history." Five months later, the province's COVID-19 cases have soared, ICUs have filled and public anger has swelled. CBC News asked several experts whether Alberta could have prevented the fourth wave by making different decisions.

In Alberta, COVID-19 hospitalizations are up, case counts are up, and anxiety, too. Schools are reopening, some workplaces are returning, vaccinations are lagging. "Best Summer Ever" hats, meanwhile, are still for sale on the United Conservative Party website.And there sits an empty podium.