Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney has resigned as the United Conservative Party MLA for Calgary-Lougheed. .“I would like to thank the wonderful people of Calgary-Lougheed for the privilege of representing them over the past five years,” said Kenney in a Tuesday statement. .“I am proud to have led a government that delivered on 95% of its election commitments to Albertans.” .Kenney scraped by with a victory during his leadership review in May, taking 51.4% of the vote..READ MORE: BREAKING: Kenney gets 51.4% in leadership vote, announces he will step down .He shocked the crowd moments after by announcing he was stepping down as Alberta premier.."Well, while 51% of the vote passes the constitutional threshold of the majority, it clearly is not adequate support to continue on,” he said. .Kenney acknowledged a different government is now in place, and an election will happen in a few months. After a great deal of reflection and consultation, he said now "is the best time for me to step aside as an MLA.” .This decision brought to an end his 25 years in politics to Albertans and Canadians. The statement thanked the people of south Calgary for their support in nine elections to the House of Commons and Alberta Legislature. .The statement said he hopes to continue contributing to democracy by sharing what he has learned on a range of issues, including immigration, national security, indigenous economic development, federalism, economic growth, energy, and more. .Regardless of flaws or imperfections, the statement said the world envies Alberta and Canada. This is not an accident of history. .Rather, the statement said Canadians have inherited great institutions built around principles generated by a historic context. It added parliamentary democracy upholds ordered liberty and the rule of law — all of which is centred on valuing every person's dignity and an obligation to promote the common good. .The statement expressed concerns with democracy veering from respectful debate to polarization undermining bedrock institutions and principles..It said the far-left has been trying to cancel history, delegitimize historic institutions and customs, and divide society with identity politics. From the far-right, it accused it of fostering anger cynicism that seeks to tear down institutions rather than build up and improve them. .As Kenney closes 25 years of public service, he said he "does so with gratitude for those who built this magnificent land of opportunity through their wisdom and sacrifice." ."And I am hopeful that we will move past this time of polarization to renew our common life together in this amazing land of limitless opportunity," he said. .This resignation comes after Alberta Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakhani delivered her Speech from the Throne to open the fourth session of the 30th Legislature on Tuesday. .READ MORE: Speech from the Throne opens the fourth session of the 30th Legislature in Alberta.“Honourable Members, this is a challenging time for our province,” said Lakhani. .“Rising inflation is impacting the ability of Albertans to provide for themselves and their families; our healthcare system is under significant strain; and we’re combatting unprecedented interference and overreach from the federal government in Ottawa.”
