Notley facing waves of criticism over photo radar stance, including from Don Iveson
Edmonton's former mayor hadn't tweeted about politics for weeks before he took a shot at Rachel Notley Thursday.
The issue, the NDP leader's stance on photo radar, which was attracting criticism from progressives and conservatives alike.
"Jason Kenney’s UCP government will continue to hit Alberta drivers with costly photo radar tickets, despite a lack of evidence that they contribute to traffic safety," Notley tweeted Wednesday night after changes were announced by the government.
Iveson responded by calling out Notley directly, in front of his 162,000 followers.
"I know nobody likes to get a ticket for driving too fast, but let’s not aim to beat populism with populism please," he wrote in a quote tweet.
Through a spokesperson, Notley refused to take questions from CTV News Edmonton on the issue Thursday.
Iveson also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Notley also took heat from others online.
"This is absolutely the wrong take. As a monthly donor, statements like this make it hard for me to continue supporting you financially," Edmonton resident Harrison Sheremeta wrote.
"This just seems a desperate attempt to be contrary," independent journalist Kim Siever tweeted.
"Ms. Notley, not only is that irresponsible, but it is untrue and you know it," said Ryan Hastman, who is chief of staff to Alberta's transportation minister.
Hastman linked to a report prepared for Notley's government in 2018 which concluded that collisons decreased slightly as a direct result of automated traffic enforcement.
On Wednesday, Edmonton's mayor, a councillor and its director of safe mobility all said that photo radar is an important "tool" in street safety.
"There has been a measurable change in people's safety on our streets over the years because of all of the tools we've been using," Coun. Andrew Knack said, including automated traffic enforcement in that.
NOTLEY'S TWEET 'A VOTE WINNER': EXPERT
Despite the reaction online, a local political scientist said the reason for Notley's tweet is obvious.
"It's a very popular policy approach and it will likely win her votes in the small towns of Alberta," said Chaldeans Mensah from MacEwan University.
Mensah allowed that Notley's stance likely won't be popular with urban progressives, but he feels the gamble is worth it because those people are still likely to vote NDP in 2023.
The idea is to gain rural and suburban votes, where the NDP needs gains, Mensah said.
"So if they can devise policy approaches that takes a couple of votes away from the opposition, hey, it's pretty good on their part."
Mansah called Iveson's shot at Notley a "kerfuffle" that likely won't amount to more animosity between the two progressive leaders, because they still agree on most things.
"The charge of populism is a bit overblown," he said.
"You need to take the whole package of what a politician is pursuing in terms of his or her approach to politics. And I don't think Rachel Notley can remotely be accused of being a populist."
A full list of the rule changes and the dates they come into effect is on Alberta's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.