Alberta premier 'happy to be held accountable' as splinters form in UCP caucus
The leader of Alberta's United Conservative Party and government insists he has caucus confidence, but now isn't the time to prove it.
Jason Kenney acknowledged on Tuesday the party has had to "grapple" with some internal division over COVID-19 public health measures – not so much, however, Kenney said, that he's lost his colleagues' confidence.
"To open this up for some big political argument at this moment would be grossly irresponsible. Our entire team needs to be focused on one thing and one thing only right now, which is beating this fourth wave of COVID and ensuring we are prepared for whatever may come in the COVID era," the politician told reporters after a provincial COVID-19 update and cabinet shuffle in which Alberta's health minister was replaced.
The comments came a day before Wednesday's caucus meeting, during which the party is expected to discuss holding a vote of confidence in Kenney.
Over the weekend, the party's vice president of policy confirmed to CTV News he had called for a leader performance review. Joel Mullan also told media outlets he had personally lost confidence in Kenney since Alberta implemented a proof-of-vaccine system.
The United Conservative splinters are older than Alberta's Restrictions Exemption Program, however, and date back to Kenney's handling of MLAs who left the country while international travel wasn't advised, his own flouting of public health orders during a Sky Palace dinner, and criticism over the past year his government acted too strictly, lightly or – as COVID-19 ICU hospitalizations peak – late.
- Caucus dissent over COVID OK, breaking health rules means expulsion: Alberta premier
- Alberta legislature speaker apologizes for signing letter opposing COVID-19 restrictions
- 'Feeds a narrative of anger and division': Letter from UCP MLA questions Kenney’s leadership
- UCP MLA says Alberta's pandemic decisions will 'cost us lives' as restriction fallout continues
"I believe I have the confidence of the members of my party, our caucus, and of our party board," Kenney told reporters on Tuesday.
The premier pointed to the UCP's leadership review mechanism, which would otherwise see his performance evaluated by his peers at the party's 2022 annual general meeting.
"I’m happy to be held accountable to the members of my party," Kenney said. He suggested a premature review would be seen as a "self-indulgent political sideshow."
"There will be a leadership review in due course. We cannot allow politics, including internal politics, to distract us from the essential task of doing the right things."
With files from CTV News Calgary
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.