By Chris Brown with files from Scott Roblin

new ministry, position

Medicine Hat MLA Barnes proposes, wants to lead ministry of autonomy

Dec 4, 2020 | 3:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes is petitioning the province to create a new ministry and wants to lead it himself.

Barnes has sent a letter to Jason Kenney asking for the premier to name him the minister of autonomy, a position that currently does not exist in Alberta.

“I asked for the job because absolutely, I’m willing to roll up my sleeves and help,” he said. “I believe that I would be very qualified for the job and I would get the job done.”

He says such a ministry is needed to obtain a “fairer deal” with Ottawa when it comes to equalization and Alberta’s place in Confederation.

“$670 billion Alberta has sent to Ottawa since 1960, money that could go so far to provide jobs and opportunity and help our communities here,” says Barnes.

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He points next door to Saskatchewan as a province that has recently created a similar position in its government.

When asked if this was the right time to request such a position while cases of COVID-19 spike across Alberta, he says the economy needs to be considered as well.

“COVID is serious and we have to do everything we can for sure, but the economy is serious as well. Many, many people are wanting to and having to work through this, God bless the people that provide the services that we all rely on. But, yeah it’s crucial and important that Alberta be strong, that Alberta be free.”

Barnes says he has not received a response from Kenney’s office on his letter.