An Open Letter to Jason Kenney RE: Earplugs

Premier Kenney,

I did not vote for your UCP candidate. I do not like your platform or policies. Nevertheless, you are the Premier of Alberta and you won with a solid majority. Those of us with different points of view are, I believe, handling this with considerably more decorum than many very vocal conservative supporters after Rachel Notley and the NDP won the last election. As I recall, there were calls for a “kudatah”, along with many suggestions that our then Premier should be executed, along with her caucus.

You have a majority government. You can pass whatever legislation you want. Apparently, that is not enough for you. You feel the need to demean the opposition, and the Albertans they represent, while you do it.

Your stunt last night with the ear plugs was not “funny”. It clearly signalled that you, as leader of the government, were not interested in what the opposition (who also represent Albertans) had to say. The job of the opposition is to represent their constituents. One of the ways they do this is to consider the legislation you put forward and, if they feel it is necessary, point out problems with that legislation. Vehemently, if necessary.

Your job, and the job of your caucus, is to LISTEN. And to consider what they have to say. The purpose of this is that legislation is crafted which best represents the views of all Albertans, not just your supporters. That is how democracy works.

When you were elected you made a speech in which you said “We will strive to be a government for all Albertans, not just those who voted for us.”

Last night your actions said, “We have no interest in anyone who disagrees with us. We have no interest in Albertans who did not vote for us. We have no interest in working with the opposition to create legislation that is good for all Albertans. We don't want to hear the views of other Albertans. In fact, we refuse to hear their views.”

This is very disappointing, Mr. Kenney. We had hoped that you would be bigger than this.

I feel, along with many I have communicated with today, that you don't care about ALL Albertans, only the ones who see the world as you do. I feel that those who do not share your ideology are not welcome here anymore.

What you called just a bit of fun to lighten to mood is sending a clear signal. It is not signalling respect for others. It is not signalling that you value all Albertans, or see our ideas as equal. It is signalling that you do not want to hear any questions or disagreement. That there is no room for discussion on any of your ideas or plans. That those who do not share your vision are, from hereon in, disenfranchised in this province.

If you ever meant what you said, that you would strive to be a government for all Albertans, you failed last night. And this should concern all Albertans, even the ones that voted for your party. Because there may come a time when they may not agree with you. And you have now made it clear you don't want any disagreement.

That isn't how a democracy works, Mr. Kenney. Only allowing one point of view is a different form of government. It is called a dictatorship. So much for that “grassroots guarantee”. But that was only to get votes, right?

Last night you demonstrated clearly who you are and how Albertans who disagree with you should expect to be treated.

I am very disappointed. But not very surprised.