More cracks are developing in Premier Jason Kenney’s UCP caucus after four more MLAs have come forward blasting the government’s current COVID-19 lockdown policies..Medicine Hat UCP MLA Michaela Glasgo has joined colleagues Todd Loewen, Dave Hanson, Ron Orr, Angela Pitt and Drew Barnes in condemning current regulations..“I’ve heard loud and clear the frustration from Albertans, and my own constituents, since (Monday’s) announcement of delayed reopenings and partially lifted restrictions. Know that I am listening, I hear you, and I believe that you have every right to feel this way — I do too,” Glasgo wrote on her Facebook page..“Many people have questions about some of the inconsistent rules and moving goalposts. I know this and other issues have shaken the trust of Albertans. I committed to building trust with you, my constituents and intend to continue that.”. Michaela-Glasgo-1Michaela Glasgo. Courtesy Twitter .“I have always supported the regional approach to COVID. We have done an exceptional job with municipalities reaching and maintaining zero cases. We know there are physical and mental health benefits to safely opening more activities in gyms and allowing families and friends to spend time together..“You have made considerable sacrifices on all levels. As an MLA, I learned about (the) announcement the same time and way as most Albertans did: on Facebook live. I will take the concerns of my constituents back to my government colleagues in hopes it will make a difference.”.It was the exact same post as the one put up by Loewen, UCP MLA for Centrel Peace-Notley..“(EDIT: For those wondering, I discussed this post with several MLAs and staff before I posted it. After I posted it, other MLAs reached out to me to see if I would mind if they used it or shared it. I happily obliged. I hope more who share the views expressed here will also feel comfortable using and sharing it.) Loewen wrote..The Calgary Sun’s Rick Bell reported MLAs Dave Hanson and Ron Barr are also opposing the restrictions..Barnes and Pitt have also joined the “End the Lockdown Caucus” a group of politicians from across the country who are working to see the regulations are removed.. Ousted UCP MLA Barnes throws his support behind Pitt, calls on Kenney to resignAngela Pitt. Courtesy Twiiter .Kenney announcement of only libraries and gyms being allowed to resume some operations in Phase 2 caught many by surprise because the province has already exceeded many benchmarks to have started Phase 3..Barnes said his Cypress-Medicine Hat constituents are “suffering extreme fatigue” because of the restrictions..“Some of my colleagues (in caucus) are finally starting to push back – it’s going to be an interesting few weeks in politics,” Barnes said in an interview with the Western Standard..“The government has lost the trust of some people here. The benchmarks were set and met. Albertans have done the hard work. But now the mental and economic crisis is just as bad as the COVID crisis.”.When questioned by reporters Wednesday on caucus criticism, Kenney said MLAs were free to speak their minds..“I’m not at all surprised Albertans have a range of opinions,” Kenney said..“We welcome the input of ideas from all MLAs.”.“The government cannot wish these things away. We can’t let politics get in the way.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter.com/nobby7694
