CHAT News File Photo

By Alex McCuaig

Criticism from all corners

Actions against jet-setting MLAs took too long, says local UCP member

Jan 4, 2021 | 5:03 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – As word spread of at least a half-dozen UCP MLAs jetting to international vacation spots, the level of anger among Albertans and Hatters rose.

An informal survey of more than a dozen Hatters in downtown midday Monday heaped nothing but scorn on the MLAs. The primary focus of the comments was directed at politicians for not practising what they preached when it comes to public health restrictions and recommendations.

And the criticism of the actions also came from UCP supporters.

Small business owner and UCP member Chris Hellman says the inaction by the party’s leadership early contributed to the dismay he felt about the issue.

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“I think there should have been something done last week – Thursday, Friday – when leadership got wind of this,” said Hellman. “And there wasn’t and that was a mistake on their part.”

He added the move to strip the MLAs of any governmental responsibilities was a good step and one which Hellman says was appropriate.

“I think they pushed a lot of support away letting it fester over the weekend and all the way to today. I wasn’t considering dropping my party membership but definitely wanted to see something done,” said Hellman. “And if nothing was done, who knows.”

Hellman says the issue has been dealt with as far as he’s concerned and the future of the various MLAs should now be left to their respective constituents.

As for federal and provincial elected officials, MP Glen Motz and MLAs Michaela Glasgo and Drew Barnes remained in either the city or province.