Jason Kenney quits Alberta politics with critical letter on state of democracy | 24CA News
Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney stepped down because the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Lougheed late Tuesday afternoon.
“Thank you to my constituents for the honour of representing them in Parliament and the Legislature over the past 25 years,” Kenney mentioned in a tweet additionally containing a press release.
The resignation got here two hours after the throne speech for the Fall session was learn contained in the legislature, which Kenney was not current for.
Kenney mentioned he’s happy with the work completed whereas he was chief however with a brand new authorities in place below Premier Danielle Smith — who changed him as chief of the UCP in October — and a provincial election coming in May 2023, now could be one of the best time for him to step apart as MLA.
“This decision brings to an end over 25 years of elected service to Albertans and Canadians,” he mentioned.
“I would like to thank especially the people of south Calgary for their support over nine elections to Parliament and the legislature, beginning in 1997. Thank you as well to the countless volunteers, staff members and public servants who have supported me throughout the past two and a half decades of public service.”
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Kenney mentioned sooner or later he hopes to proceed contributing to democratic life however selected to shut his resignation letter with a scathing reflection of the state of politics.
“Whatever our flaws or imperfections, Canada and I believe Alberta are in many ways the envy of the world. This is not an accident of history.”
Kenney went on to supply the next assertion:
“We are the inheritors of nice establishments constructed round abiding ideas which have been generated by a specific historic context. Our Westminster parliamentary democracy, a part of our constitutional monarchy, is the guardian of a novel custom of ordered liberty and the rule of regulation, all of which is centred on a perception within the inviolable dignity of the human individual and an obligation to advertise the widespread good. How these ideas are utilized to any explicit challenge as a matter for prudent judgment.
“But I am concerned that our democratic life is veering away from ordinary prudential debate towards a polarization that undermines our bedrock institution and principles.
“From the far left we see efforts to cancel our history, delegitimize our historically grounded institutions and customs and divide society dangerously along identity lines. And from the far right we see a vengeful anger and toxic cynicism which often seeks to tear things down, rather than build up and improve our imperfect institutions.”
“As I close 25 years of public service, I do so with gratitude for those who built this magnificent land of opportunity through their wisdom and sacrifice. And I’m hopeful that we will move past this time of polarization to renew our common life together in this amazing land of limitless opportunity.”
Kenney introduced his intention to step down because the chief of the United Conservative Party on May after he obtained 51.4 per cent help in his management evaluation vote.
Earlier Tuesday, Smith was sworn in as the brand new member for Brooks-Medicine Hat after successful a byelection for the seat earlier this month.
It was her first time again on the ground the legislature chamber because the spring of 2015.
At that point, Smith was with the Progressive Conservatives, having led a mass ground crossing of her Wildrose Party months earlier. She did not win a nomination for the PCs in 2015 and returned to journalism as a radio talk-show host for six years.
Kenney remained a backbencher UCP legislature member till his resignation. It’s not but recognized when a byelection might be held in Calgary-Lougheed.
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Alberta Premier Jason Kenney intends to step down as UCP chief after slim management win
Kenney joins an extended listing of Alberta conservative leaders sidelined following middling votes in management opinions.
Former Progressive Conservative premier Ralph Klein left after getting 55 per cent of the vote in 2006. Ed Stelmach and Alison Redford obtained 77 per cent of their opinions however stepped down from the highest job when the celebration pushed again.
— With recordsdata from The Canadian Press
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