Dave Naylor

May 14, 2021

-Western Standard

 

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says this week’s UCP caucus revolt was contained to a “small group” who weren’t able to garner a lot of support – adding such dissent won’t be tolerated anymore.

On Thursday, the UCP caucus booted out MLAS Todd Loewen, of Central Peace-Notley, and Drew Barnes, of Cypress-Medicine Hat. Earlier in the day, Loewen had issued a public letter calling on Kenney to resign. Barnes has been a constant thorn in the premier’s side for months, disagreeing on numerous policies.

“Yesterday the caucus did confirm my leadership. There have been some folk who have tried to destabilize the government during this period of crisis internally. I think it’s a very small group and they haven’t been able to demonstrate any widespread support for that,” Kenney said on QR77’s Shaye Ganam show.

“So, yes, I believe I have the confidence of the party I lead, and the caucus I serve with. And I’m governing on the largest democratic mandate in Alberta’s history. We’ve been through some tough times and I think we are going to emerge very strong.

“I look forward to leading through this period. And for all Albertans, I know it’s been a tough time, a lot of people are angry and anxious but we are getting very close to the end of this thing. Let’s get to the goal.”

Asked if he thought there could be any further uprisings, Kenney said it was “implicit that caucus members have a limited tolerance now for behaviour that can undermine the unity of our team and our ability to work together.”

Loewen’s comments earlier in the day triggered a firestorm of political intrigue in the UCP.

“The government’s response to a hostile federal government has been perceived as weak and ineffective. Albertans have lost trust in the leadership of our government and are no longer willing to extend to us any benefit of the doubt on most issues,” said Loewen in the letter.

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