Premier Kenney says province is ready to work with progressive city councils

Prime Minister Jason Kenney on Tuesday denied that the election of the Edmonton and Calgary Progressive Councils had any reflection on the United Conservative Party.

Speaking to the press during Tuesday’s regular Covid-19 update in the province, the premier said the municipal elections were about issues, not ideologies.

“I think so, but elections are usually about very practical matters and they are very local,” he said.

The Prime Minister also denied that Tory candidates in either city had ties to or were supported by members of the government. He said it was important for the government to avoid turning municipal politics into a “partisan exercise.”

Kenney also pointed out that despite the election of two Liberal MPs and two NDP MPs earlier this year, the federal Conservative Party won an overwhelming majority of Alberta’s seats in parliament.

Party politics get mixed up in municipal elections

Responding to a question during Tuesday’s media availability, he said the question asked about UCP’s involvement in municipal races was incorrect.

“Well, you are just factually inaccurate so I would ask you to go back and not point out something that is wrong or the United Conservative Party was not involved in supporting the candidates. “

A Facebook post by Justice Minister Kacee Madu posted on Sunday, October 17, said Madu agreed with former Mayor Bill’s endorsement of Edmonton council candidates Kim Krushnell, Cheryl Watson and Michael Oshry. Smith.

The Facebook post, archived by CTV’s Kevin Nimmock, called on voters to reject what Madu called “the Trudeau agents at Edmonton city hall.”

Madu congratulated Amarjeet Sohi, former Liberal MP and Federal Minister under the Trudeau government, and Jyoti Gondek on Facebook after their respective electoral victories.

CTV Edmonton previously reported that some NDP MPs also gave personal support to municipal candidates.

Back to work, in a way

Calgary mayor-elect Jyoti Gondek has been pro-Calgary during the campaign, although she has often criticized the province’s work.

“When our citizens deserved better, I was not afraid to ask for this,” said Gondek.

“I look forward to speaking with the province to find out about their plans. And where we have a role to play.

Kenney said his government is ready to work with any councils, including those in Calgary and Edmonton, which have been elected.

“Our government will work with all elected mayors and councilors to try to move in the same direction to deal with the COVID crisis and the economic growth and recovery that comes with it,” he said.

He said he had calls with the two elected mayors of Calgary and Edmonton on Tuesday.

“I hope we can find a collaborative and positive working relationship,” he said.

“Let’s move together in the same direction towards job creation and economic growth.