By Chris Brown

Facing criticism

Premier, cabinet ministers photographed dining on Sky Palace patio

Jun 2, 2021 | 4:48 PM

Premier Jason Kenney and other senior cabinet members are facing criticism after photos have surfaced of them seeming to flout the province’s own gathering rules.

The group, that included Kenney, Health Minister Tyler Shandro, Environment and Parks Minister and House Leader Jason Nixon and others, was photographed dining on the balcony of the Sky Palace at Edmonton’s Federal Building.

Party staffers have defended the gathering, saying it was permitted under Stage 1 guidelines.

On Twitter, Matt Wolf, the premier’s executive director of issues management, said: Welcome to Stage 1 of Alberta’s Reopening Plan, which began yesterday: “Outdoor social gatherings – up to 10 people (indoor social gatherings still not permitted)”

Critics on the other hand are pointing to a Twitter thread from Kenney on Tuesday. There he noted that “Outdoor patio dining is now open for groups of up to four people, who must be from the same household or closed contacts for those living alone.”

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Others have pointed out that outdoor gatherings must not have an indoor component, such as movement in and out of homes.

Distancing and masking are also still requirements under Stage 1. There are no masks being worn and some in the photo are sitting closer than six feet.

On Twitter, NDP Leader Rachel Notley said, “Albertans expect leaders to lead, not break the rules from the top of their castle.”