Premier Scott Moe reacted to Jason Kenney's resignation and what it means for Saskatchewan and western Canada..“My first thoughts…this is a loss of a good leader and an individual that has been a very, very capable and competent politician for decades now. I wouldn’t think we’ve seen the last of Jason Kenney,” said Moe..Moe praised Kenney for building a grassroots party but also a loss for the west. .“It’s a grassroots party and he was successful in garnering the majority support on a leadership review. But decided to step down nonetheless,” said Moe..“I would say from my perspective as the leader of the Saskatchewan Party in Saskatchewan…[I] understand and respect how all of the members have had their voice heard and thankful there’s a grassroots party in the province next to us. But this is a loss.”.Moe said Kenney achieved a lot for Alberta in a short time period and is a strong leader with vast political experience..“Jason Kenney is a very strong leader. He’s achieved a number of things he set out to achieve in a very short period of time on behalf of Albertans,” said Moe..“A strong leader with his experience at the federal level as a minister, an MP, and ultimately as the Premier of Alberta.”.Moe gave the example of Kenney’s recent trip to the American capital to testify to an energy committee showing Kenney’s leadership of western issues..“Just recently, he was down in Washington, DC, testifying at their energy committee. He’s been a strong voice around the Council of Federation table as well as the First Ministers table,” said Moe..Moe is not worried about a change in the UCP leadership, as the concerns of western Canadians remain the same, such as the west’s view of the carbon tax and the development of resources. .“If there is a change of leadership within the UCP party in Alberta. I don’t think that changes the policy with respect to the carbon taxation, regulations around getting their product to market. Most certainly, I don’t think the policy changes at all,” said Moe..“I would say however with respect to that, Premier Kenney was an extremely formidable voice on that file and all other files related to the development of our resources in western Canada and defending not only the development of those resources but the income and opportunity that those resources could provide.”.“In his case to Albertans, but by extension to all of those across the Prairies. He’s a very powerful voice and a very strong premier.”.Reporters asked Moe if Kenney’s resignation puts more pressure on him to be that western voice..“I’m not sure I’ve ever been hesitant to speak or say something when it comes to defending the Saskatchewan people I represent or defending the resources that create wealth in our communities. I’m going to continue to do exactly what we have been doing,” said Moe.
