KENNEY KEEPS LEGISLATURE CLOSED, HIDES FROM ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ANOTHER WEEK

EDMONTON - Alberta’s NDP opposes Jason Kenney’s plans to keep the Alberta Legislature closed for at least another week beyond what he originally told Albertans, while critical responses to the pandemic are left undone.

“While millions of Albertans continue to go into work and do their jobs, Jason Kenney and his UCP MLAs are refusing to show up,” said NDP House Leader Christina Gray. “We are in the midst of a crisis and we have critical work to do.

“Thousands more Albertans will be infected with COVID-19 over the next thirteen days and they still don’t have paid sick leave. Ontario, BC, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia are all moving on this critical issue. Jason Kenney isn’t just standing still, he’s staying home.”

Alberta’s NDP is prepared to debate paid sick leave legislation on Monday, and was also planning to introduce new legislation to provide WCB coverage to essential workers infected with COVID during a workplace outbreak.

“The premier must also be held accountable by the Legislature for Alberta having the highest infection rate of any Canadian province or US state,” Gray said.

The government also announced its intention to move some of the assembly’s functions online when it does return, but is short on details on how that will work.

“On Monday, Albertans will show up to work across this province in our hospitals and grocery stores, industrial facilities and other essential workplaces, but Jason Kenney will not.

“Why is Jason Kenney’s safety more important than the safety of these essential workers?”