CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.
(file photo/Youtube)

Premier takes responsibility for ‘not having clairty’ regarding international travel amongst government officials

Jan 1, 2021 | 2:29 PM

EDMONTON, AB- Alberta Premier Jason Kenney addressed the media Friday following reports

Municipal affairs minister Tracy Allard took a vacation to Hawaii last month despite public health recommendations advising people to avoid non-essential travel.

The premier said the minster traveled to Hawaii on Dec. 19 and he became aware of her travels on Tuesday

“This past Tuesday afternoon, I became aware of that our minister of municipal affairs Tracy Allard traveled to the United States before Christmas. I immediately contacted the minister and asked her to return to Alberta which she did immediately, arriving back yesterday morning” the premier said.

“ I’ve also become aware that a few MLA’s, political staff, and senior government officials have traveled abroad in recent weeks.” he said.

The premier called the minister’s actions ‘a significant error in judgment,’ and took personal responsibility for not being clearer.

“ I recognize that those of us in positions of public trust must maintain a higher standard, in their personal contact that is expected of folks in the general population, and here I take responsibility for not having clarity set out or communicated a policy against international travel for senior decision-makers in government,” he said.

The premier then issued a directive for government officials not to leave the country for the foreseeable future unless it is for government-related business.

At the press conference Friday afternoon the premier noted Alberta has taken steps to ensure that safe air travel can take place through the international travel pilot program which has seen 20,000 people take part. The positivity rate through the program stands at 1.48 per cent. He also said he has called for safe travel policies which have since been adopted by the federal government that requires international air travelers to receive a negative COVID-19 test before entering the country.

“ Alberta has sought to support and facilitate, safe travel during the COVID era. We have done so in order to protect the lives, and livelihoods. Completely shutting down would not only result in tens of thousands of more job losses but would likely result in the financial collapse of Canada’s airline industry, “ Kenney said , noting the risk of transmission through air travel is extremely rare.”

Minister Allard is not the only politician under hot water due to international travel. Yesterday Ontario Finance Minister Rod Philips resigned after it was learned that he took a vacation to the Caribbean.