Former premier Jason Kenney resigns from Alberta legislature
Thousands asked for it while he was leader and now Jason Kenney has done it, announcing his resignation as a member of the Alberta legislature on social media Tuesday.
The former Alberta premier and United Conservative Party leader made his statement on Twitter, thanking constituents for supporting him during his 25 years in politics.
His statement included a letter of thanks to those individuals, saying the time had come for him to resign.
"A different government is in place, and the next election will occur in a few months," he wrote. "So, after a great deal of reflection and consultation, I have concluded that now is the best time for me to step aside as MLA."
Kenney also thanked all the public servants and volunteers who assisted him during his time in politics.
'ENVY OF THE WORLD'
He also wrote about his concerns about democracy in Canada and Alberta, places he considers in many ways to be "the envy of the world," and the institutions he sees are eroding each day.
"I am concerned that our democratic life is veering away from ordinary prudential debate toward a polarization that undermines our bedrock institutions and principles," he said.
"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."
Kenney says he hopes for a time where both Canada and Alberta can "move past this time of polarization."
Kenney's first step into politics came when he was elected to the House of Commons in 1997 as a member of the Reform Party of Canada. He was then re-elected as a member of the Canadian Alliance and then served five terms in the Conservative Party.
He held several ministerial posts under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, but resigned his seat in 2016 after announcing his intent to run for leadership of Alberta's Conservatives, eventually merging it with the Wildrose Party.
Kenney became leader of the UCP in October 2017 and defeated the ruling NDP in Alberta's 2019 general election, becoming the province's 18th premier.
His resignation comes on the day of the throne speech, just ahead of the first legislature session with Premier Danielle Smith at the head of the province and the UCP.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released 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.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
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.
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.
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.