Saturday's letters: Where is the UCP's belt tightening?
Edmonton Journal
Publishing date: Jun 05, 2021 •
Kenney and some cabinet ministers on a patio in the Federal Building in Edmonton taken on June 1, 2021 between hours of 7:00pm and 10:00pm. From the top right is Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment & Parks, Government House Leader, Health Minister Tyler Shandro and with his back to the camera is Premier Jason Kenney. PHOTO BY SUPPLIED
While the odour of the Christmas vacation scandal is now in the rearview mirror, the UCP seems intent on keeping controversy alive. Enter the “working dinner” on the balcony of late, great Sky Palace. While there was a distinct lack of compliance with the COVID restrictions, what really made me take notice was the whiskey and wine on display. Where is the belt tightening?
While Jason Kenney rails about the urgent need for spending cuts, apparently that is just for the huddled masses. Oh, and one more thing, a group of older white guys enjoying dinner on a private balcony doesn’t say much about diversity in government.
John Campbell, Edmonton
While the odour of the Christmas vacation scandal is now in the rearview mirror, the UCP seems intent on keeping controversy alive. Enter the “working dinner” on the balcony of late, great Sky Palace. While there was a distinct lack of compliance with the COVID restrictions, what really made me take notice was the whiskey and wine on display. Where is the belt tightening?
While Jason Kenney rails about the urgent need for spending cuts, apparently that is just for the huddled masses. Oh, and one more thing, a group of older white guys enjoying dinner on a private balcony doesn’t say much about diversity in government.
John Campbell, Edmonton
Do as we say, not as we do
While the saga of UCP selfish entitlement continues, most Alberta citizens are trying to follow the rules. It seems that Jason Kenney and his cohorts can’t count. Perhaps they need to go back to elementary school to learn numeracy. In order for four UCP members to dine together, they have to occupy the same household. Are they living together in Alison Redford’s Sky Palace? They should be quarantined there so they can take lessons on the AHS rules.
What an extremely poor example to show Albertans while preaching the AHS patio dining rules. Is it any wonder that many people have lost trust in this government? Do not imitate my behaviour but obey my instructions should be the UCP’s new motto.
H.C. Kolthammer, Edmonton
Nitpicking of UCP getting tiresome
I am sick and tired of people nitpicking everything the UCP does. To send a drone to take a picture off a working meeting has to be the worst. A dinner meeting outside by six people who have all been vaccinated is not breaking rules.
There was ample distance between the individuals involved. Stop it.
D.J. Charbonneau, Alberta Beach
Thinking behind policies now make sense
I am certain that our premier and his esteemed dining partners supported a local eatery when they ordered using “Skip the Rules.” In that way, a dining group is exempt from the usual gathering proscriptions that the government and health authorities are expecting Albertans to live under. Unfortunately, alcohol was on the menu as well.
It is well known that imbibing can impair one’s judgement and motor function. I now understand the thinking or apparent lack thereof, when our government has implemented various policies over the last two years. I am left wondering, however, when dinner was over, who was the designated driver? Or was it agreed, there is a limit on how much one should stretch the rules and they used Uber to get home?
Gerard Bolduc, Sherwood Park
Alberta reopening too hastily
I believe that Jason Kenney’s reopening plan is too ambitious. Other provinces like B.C., Saskatchewan and Ontario are being cautious and prudent in the reopening plans. They are basing their plan on people having two doses of a vaccine, not one like Alberta. I believe that this is a better plan.
The end of this pandemic is in sight but it is a leisurely stroll to the finish line not a sprint. The virus is still with us and the variants still circulating. Children under 12 are not eligible to be vaccinated at this time. Hopefully, in the near future they will. Until then, people with children under 12 will need to be cautious.
Kenney has touted big events that won’t happen at all like the Folk Festival or the Calgary Stampede which will have no parade this year and masks will be required on the Stampede grounds. Mayor Iveson has correctly pointed out that cities will determine what events go ahead. Heritage Days will go ahead with less tents, free tickets and required masks. With these and other events in mind, the summer will be different from what the premier envisions.
What happens if we get a big outbreak again because we opened up too soon? What will our fearless premier do?
Craig Harris, Edmonton
I believe that Jason Kenney’s reopening plan is too ambitious. Other provinces like B.C., Saskatchewan and Ontario are being cautious and prudent in the reopening plans. They are basing their plan on people having two doses of a vaccine, not one like Alberta. I believe that this is a better plan.
The end of this pandemic is in sight but it is a leisurely stroll to the finish line not a sprint. The virus is still with us and the variants still circulating. Children under 12 are not eligible to be vaccinated at this time. Hopefully, in the near future they will. Until then, people with children under 12 will need to be cautious.
Kenney has touted big events that won’t happen at all like the Folk Festival or the Calgary Stampede which will have no parade this year and masks will be required on the Stampede grounds. Mayor Iveson has correctly pointed out that cities will determine what events go ahead. Heritage Days will go ahead with less tents, free tickets and required masks. With these and other events in mind, the summer will be different from what the premier envisions.
What happens if we get a big outbreak again because we opened up too soon? What will our fearless premier do?
Craig Harris, Edmonton
Kenney a better sidekick than leader
As I listened to Jason Kenney’s comments about cancel culture, I again realized how shallow this man really is, and why Alberta has been in a downward spiral since he was elected.
Kenney did well in Ottawa in Stephen Harper’s passenger seat, but he’s hopelessly unable to actually drive the vehicle in Alberta himself. Kenney damages Alberta each and every day he’s in office. He must go!
Lynne Barnett, Edmonton
Friday's letters: Sky Palace patio photos show entitlement
Edmonton Journal
Publishing date: June 04, 2021 •
Publishing date: June 04, 2021 •
Kenney and some cabinet ministers are pictured on a patio in the Federal Building in Edmonton taken on June 1, 2021. From the top right is Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment & Parks, Government House Leader, Health Minister Tyler Shandro and with his back to the camera is Premier Jason Kenney. PHOTO BY SUPPLIED IMAGE
Here we go again. In contravention of Alberta’s COVID rules, we have observed Premier Kenney and a number of powerful cabinet members eating on the patio of Edmonton’s Sky Palace. It looks like our premier and other leaders did not limit themselves to ordinary fiddles. The white tablecloth and wine lend yet another image of government entitlement.
The citizens of Alberta continue to learn of a disturbing pattern of entitlement and behaviour within the highest ranks of their government. The embarrassment of Alohagate should have provided a powerful warning to Premier Kenney and his governing body.
Kenney insists no rules were broken during Sky Palace patio dinner
Premier Kenney should have learned that it is important for leaders to understand the power and importance of outward appearance. During times of crisis and great challenge, we expect a higher standard of behaviour from our elected leaders. Eating on the patio of the Sky Palace creates a lack of confidence, demoralization, and doubts about leadership.
A former mentor emphasized a cardinal rule of leadership — don’t screw up. Premier Kenney and his inner circle have screwed up.
Glen Giduk, Leduc
Double standard on COVID rules
Yesterday I dropped by my local pub where they had set up an outside patio. As I was looking for a place to sit, the waitress who was wearing a mask said only four people are allowed at each table. In the picture that was published I see five people at the table with none of the staff wearing masks. Such hypocrisy.
Stephen Crocker, Edmonton
Make Indigenous languages official
As a matter of truth and reconciliation, would it not be fair to increase the number of official languages of Canada to include First Nation languages? For instance, Cree could be taught in all Alberta elementary schools, appear on street signs, and be an option for legal documents. I am certain there are enough people who know their Native tongues to accommodate a speedy resolution; language teachers can be found in willing tribal elders.
In all fairness, it should be members of the First Nations who make curriculum decisions, so I should not be more specific.
Trevor Salyzyn, Edmonton
Kenney gets it wrong on cancel culture
Mr. Kenney has not understood yet what oppression means for the oppressed. Removing from public places the names and statues of people who have done terrible things to oppressed minorities is not cancelling culture, it just stops celebrating them. We are not “judging harshly” and that is not “the new standard.”
Taking kids from their families was wrong at that time too, as it was giving them such poor care that they died in terrible numbers. People allowed it because it was not happening to them, but to a minority that was in the way of what they wanted: the First Nations’ land. Those people did great things but their actions facilitated the massacre we are mourning now. For that reason their names belong to history books, where they will not be forgotten and will be recognized for what they did, but the descendants of the oppressed do not need to see their names, reminding them of how they are considered different, every time they go to school.
Miguel Burgos, Edmonton
Here we go again. In contravention of Alberta’s COVID rules, we have observed Premier Kenney and a number of powerful cabinet members eating on the patio of Edmonton’s Sky Palace. It looks like our premier and other leaders did not limit themselves to ordinary fiddles. The white tablecloth and wine lend yet another image of government entitlement.
The citizens of Alberta continue to learn of a disturbing pattern of entitlement and behaviour within the highest ranks of their government. The embarrassment of Alohagate should have provided a powerful warning to Premier Kenney and his governing body.
Kenney insists no rules were broken during Sky Palace patio dinner
Premier Kenney should have learned that it is important for leaders to understand the power and importance of outward appearance. During times of crisis and great challenge, we expect a higher standard of behaviour from our elected leaders. Eating on the patio of the Sky Palace creates a lack of confidence, demoralization, and doubts about leadership.
A former mentor emphasized a cardinal rule of leadership — don’t screw up. Premier Kenney and his inner circle have screwed up.
Glen Giduk, Leduc
Double standard on COVID rules
Yesterday I dropped by my local pub where they had set up an outside patio. As I was looking for a place to sit, the waitress who was wearing a mask said only four people are allowed at each table. In the picture that was published I see five people at the table with none of the staff wearing masks. Such hypocrisy.
Stephen Crocker, Edmonton
Make Indigenous languages official
As a matter of truth and reconciliation, would it not be fair to increase the number of official languages of Canada to include First Nation languages? For instance, Cree could be taught in all Alberta elementary schools, appear on street signs, and be an option for legal documents. I am certain there are enough people who know their Native tongues to accommodate a speedy resolution; language teachers can be found in willing tribal elders.
In all fairness, it should be members of the First Nations who make curriculum decisions, so I should not be more specific.
Trevor Salyzyn, Edmonton
Kenney gets it wrong on cancel culture
Mr. Kenney has not understood yet what oppression means for the oppressed. Removing from public places the names and statues of people who have done terrible things to oppressed minorities is not cancelling culture, it just stops celebrating them. We are not “judging harshly” and that is not “the new standard.”
Taking kids from their families was wrong at that time too, as it was giving them such poor care that they died in terrible numbers. People allowed it because it was not happening to them, but to a minority that was in the way of what they wanted: the First Nations’ land. Those people did great things but their actions facilitated the massacre we are mourning now. For that reason their names belong to history books, where they will not be forgotten and will be recognized for what they did, but the descendants of the oppressed do not need to see their names, reminding them of how they are considered different, every time they go to school.
Miguel Burgos, Edmonton
No comments:
Post a Comment