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       A person walks out of Grey Nuns hospital in Edmonton on May 7.

       JASON FRANSON/The Globe and Mail

       A group that oversees the practice of medicine in Alberta says it has told at least seven doctors who were spreading misinformation about COVID-19 that their behaviour was unprofessional.

       Scott McLeod, registrar with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, says the regulator has also spoken to doctors who provided patients with exemption letters – not grounded in clinical evidence – to avoid having to wear masks or receive vaccinations.

       Mr. McLeod says the college plans to publish a letter this week addressed to physicians and the public reiterating its support for vaccines and public-health restrictions put in place to try to curb the spread of COVID-19.

       The college says the doctors who were warned had been spreading misinformation on social-media platforms or elsewhere.

       Mr. McLeod says it’s disappointing to see that type of behaviour and noted it has a significant effect because doctors have powerful voices in society.

       He adds the number of doctors painting a false narrative in the province is unprecedented.

       Mr. McLeod says if doctors don’t stick to basic science that outlines how to protect people during a pandemic, the public and other physicians can file an official complaint with the college.

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