NDP Calls on Brian Jean to take action as Wildrose Holodomor Comparison Resurfaces

Edmonton -- The NDP today called on Opposition leader Brian Jean to take action against Wildrose MLA Rick Strankman after his comments making light of the Holodomor resurfaced in his hometown newspaper.

Eight days after the Wildrose Party apologized for saying that millions of Ukrainians were complicit in their own genocide, Mr. Strankman repeated the offensive claim in a column submitted to the Oyen Echo and published on June 14.

“Thousands of Albertans have family members who perished in the Holodomor,” said Jessica Littlewood, MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville. 

“It was totally unacceptable for Mr. Strankman to use their memories for a cheap political shot on the internet, and it’s equally unacceptable that he made a second attempt in his local newspaper. This is far more serious than a social media mistake.”

Littlewood said it’s now up to Wildrose Leader Brian Jean to take action. 

“In recent weeks, it’s become clear that Mr. Jean does not have control of his caucus. He needs to say enough is enough, these kinds of comments are completely unacceptable, and hold his caucus members accountable for their behavior and extreme views.”

Media Inquires 

Murray Langdon

Director of Communications, Government Caucus

780-644-1592