MLA resigns as UCP Calgary caucus chair, calls on leadership to 'avoid the hypocrisy'
UCP MLA Richard Gotfried has stepped down as the party's Calgary caucus chair to allow himself to "speak unreservedly on matters of principle, ethics and government/caucus operations" and earn the trust of Albertans.
The Calgary-Fish Creek MLA also wrote a Facebook post Sunday calling on elected leaders to "show leadership, to act responsibly and to avoid the hypocrisy that makes a mockery of the tough decisions we have to make" when it comes to COVID-19 public health rules.
"None of us has been perfect, but as your elected representative, you rightly hold us to a high standard, or at minimum to the rules and regulations we set out for others," Gotfried wrote.
He did not specifically mention any particular incident or any person, but the post comes days after Premier Jason Kenney, three of his ministers and four other people dined on a rooftop patio, drawing criticism from some who say they broke the province's gathering rules and recommendations.
Two other members of Kenney's cabinet have criticized the premier's reluctance to apologize over the dinner.
Rajan Sawhney and Leela Aheer, who are both Calgary-area MLAs, are taking Kenney to task for refusing to take responsibility for photos that appear to show him and other high-ranking UCP members and staff ignoring health rules while enjoying drinks and dinner on the penthouse patio of a building near the legislature grounds.
“All of us make mistakes, but this one is a big one, and I am truly sorry,” said Aheer in a Facebook post. “Our leadership should sincerely apologize.”
Last week, the premier refused to apologize for what a called a "business dinner" that was "fully rule compliant."
But that changed on Monday as Kenney apologized during a media availability on Monday, saying "we have to set a higher example."
"For the past 16 months, I have tried hard to observe the public health rules. I thought it's important for me to lead by example, but I have to admit, I haven't always done that perfectly. I can think of many cases where I've been within two metres of people and that I'm sure has been the case for the past 16 months for pretty much everybody in Alberta," Kenney said.
He later said he takes "full responsibility" for the meeting and apologized to Albertans.
Whether that move will be enough to quell growing anger and outrage in the province remains to be seen
"It's clear that he was apologizing because he was under pressure to do so from his caucus and from his cabinet and and presumably from the public as well," said Lisa Young, a political scientist at the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy.
"And just as ... with the apology over MLAs traveling at Christmas time ... he didn't apologize when the issue first came up but rather he apologized later when it was clear that it was a political move to apologize, rather than something that could be presented as a sincere apology."
Another elected UCP member, Airdrie-East MLA Angela Pitt, also criticized Kenney for the patio meeting in an online post and called on him to further relax restaurant rules ahead of Stage 2.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.