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Jason Kenney - The Canadian Press

Premier Kenney dismisses Opposition bid to censure him over handling of COVID-19

Nov 10, 2021 | 3:19 PM

EDMONTON, AB. — Premier Jason Kenney is dismissing an Opposition bid to have him formally censured in the legislature for his handling of COVID-19’s fourth wave.

Kenney says he is focused on getting Alberta’s economy moving again and doesn’t have time for what he calls cynical political gamesmanship.

The Opposition NDP has been pushing for answers on why Kenney’s government failed to act in August when case numbers were rising alarmingly, which led to intense pressure on hospitals the following month and 15,000 cancelled surgeries.

Justice critic Irfan Sabir, suggesting Kenney must be held accountable for decisions that led to a great deal of suffering, says his party will introduce the censure motion when the house resumes sitting on Monday.

Kenney has faced criticism from members of his own United Conservative caucus on his handling of COVID-19, and Sabir says a censure vote would be a chance for them to stand up for their constituents.

Kenney notes that the pandemic’s fourth wave has receded since public health rules and incentives were put in place in September, but says more work needs to be done.