By Chantal Wagner

calls to resign

Kenney’s Sky Palace apology too late and not near enough says MLA Barnes

Jun 8, 2021 | 4:15 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Reaction from the premier’s dinner at the Sky Palace continues today.

Premier Jason Kenney apologized to Albertans on Monday almost a week after the dinner where he and several attendees including Health Minister Tyler Shandro were not physically distanced.

“I’ve heard people clearly, I’ve heard from caucus colleagues and others and we’ve gone back and reviewed this and realized that not everybody maintained the two-metre distance throughout and recognizing that I’m apologizing for that fact,” Kenney said.

But it’s an apology that is too late and not near enough according to Cypress-Medicine Hat Independent MLA Drew Barnes.

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“He needs to live by his words and in April he told all UCP MLAs if we broke the rules we would be disciplined and expelled from caucus. So he should resign over this,” Barnes said.

READ MORE: Independent MLAs say Kenney should step down

Kenney is also facing criticism from within his own party.

Deputy Speaker Angela Pitt is one of several caucus members who has spoken out publicly against the premier’s actions.

Pitt believes Albertans are concerned about the hypocrisy of senior officials breaking their own rules, something Barnes agrees with.

“For 16 months they have been setting the rules, they’ve been holding daily press conferences, they’ve been on every cabinet and special committee and caucus committee making the rules,” Barnes added.

Meantime, in a Facebook post on Monday, Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA Michaela Glasgo says she was glad to see an apology from Premier Kenney.

Last week, Glasgo told CHAT News she appreciated the premier held the meeting outside because that was compliant with the current restrictions. “We have an obligation to Albertans to make sure we’re following the rules and I’m glad to see that they were,” she stated over the phone.

CHAT News reached out to Glasgo on Tuesday for further clarification about her Facebook post but was told she was unavailable due to a fully booked schedule.

Barnes says Premier Kenney’s apology was a step forward but hopes he would still resign.

“How can he hold 60 MLAs accountable one way and not think that it doesn’t apply to him too,” Barnes added.