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
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.