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Throughout the pandemic, Premier Kenney has taken less stringent public health measures than other Premiers. Rather than government mandates, he’s relied on Albertans exercising “personal responsibility.” He’s called for Albertans to voluntarily make the choices that will protect their neighbours from this deadly pandemic.

Unfortunately, those closest to him have failed to be responsible. But we trust Albertans to behave better than the so-called leaders Jason Kenney has surrounded himself with.

Albertans have made tremendous sacrifices. Through this holiday season, they’ve chosen to skip visiting with aging grandparents and newborn grandkids. They’ve given up family dinners, new years parties, and so much more. Most have taken government messaging to “stay home” to heart.

Which makes it outrageous to see a Minister and senior UCP political staffers vacationing in Hawaii while the province cautions Albertans to “avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.” And disconcerting to hear rumours that other key UCP members have also been travelling over the holidays.

Over the coming days, there are going to be loud calls for Jason Kenney to follow the lead of Premier Ford and fire those who chose to flout travel restrictions. We support these calls.

However, they must not overshadow something even more important: the need for everyday Albertans to continue to fight this pandemic.

Acting Alberta Party Leader, Jacquie Fenske: “Leaders within the UCP have failed the ‘Personal Responsibility’ test. But I’ve always had a lot more faith in Albertans than I have in this government. Fortunately, everyday Albertans are rising above the UCP’s poor example. I trust most of us will continue to do our part to protect our neighbours.”

Our first priority must be to safeguard lives. We also want our economy to fully open again as quickly as possible. These will only happen if everyday Albertans rise above the examples being set by the UCP.

On January 1st, 2021, the Alberta Party will welcome former PC Alberta Executive Director Troy Wason into the position of Interim Executive Director.

Troy has over 35 years of political and organizational experience supporting the democratic process in Alberta and stepped in as the Executive Director of PC Alberta at a difficult time following the 2015 election. 

Premier Kenney’s rhetoric speaks highly of small business, but there has been little in the way of tangible supports.

In Rebuilding Alberta the Alberta Party called for simple programs that would allow small businesses to survive, grow, and continue to employ Albertans, regardless of the industry they work in.

Offering up to $1B for small business operating loans – with 50 percent forgivable – would empower owners and operators to rehire staff and grow. This could be done quickly through the ATB and other credit unions. Doubling the small businesses tax deduction from $500,000 to $1m would support growth too. Businesses would only be eligible if support is used to employ Albertans.

The Alberta Party calls on the provincial government to take tangible steps to solve the COVID crises in long-term care homes. Vulnerable Albertans are suffering from lack of action.

As more Albertans are effected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is increasingly obvious that more than slight increases to funding are needed to protect vulnerable seniors. To date, 351 of the 551 reported deaths have been in long-term care facilities or supportive/home living sites. Residents in these facilities are also suffering from isolation and lockdowns being used as the primary means of keeping them safe.