Alberta’s Minster of Justice and Solicitor General has resigned.
According to Premier Jim Prentice he requested the resignation of Jonathan Denis after he was informed Denis was going through court proceedings with his estranged wife.
“Where there are circumstances where legal proceedings have commenced it is not possible for Jonathan to continue on as the Minister of Justice and as the Attorney General,” Prentice told the media at a campaign stop in Calgary.
“You cannot be the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General in circumstances where you are party to legal proceedings and so that was the basis for asking him to step aside.”
In a statement of his own Denis said he would continue to stand as a candidate for Calgary-Acadia.
“A court action involving a personal family matter has caused me to take this step as it would not be appropriate to serve in the capacity of Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, while this is being resolved.
“My wife and I have had difficulties in our marriage over the last several months. I am very saddened by these recent circumstances. This is a very difficult time for my family and I, and I would ask for respect for our privacy on this matter while it’s being resolved.”
“I have confidence in him as a person but it is not appropriate for him to be the Minister of Justice while he has legal proceedings taking place,” Prentice said.
Prentice’s statement indicated that Minster Verlyn Olson will be acting as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.
With files from Dan Grummett
