EDITOR’S NOTE: Story updated at 2:14 p.m. MST with a prepared statement by Michaela Glasgo.A female UCP MLA told Thursday’s caucus meeting that she feels women in the caucus aren’t represented on committees and are ‘often dismissed’, despite having great qualifications, the Western Standard has learned..Michaela Glasgo, the MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat, made the comment at the first Premier Jason Kenney-led caucus meeting since they expelled two of their colleagues last week..Sources at the virtual meeting say Glasgo told her colleagues she is “very concerned” about the lack of female UCP MLAs on legislative committees..Glasgo also said general opportunities within caucus and government are different for women then they are men..Sources told the Western Standard, that Glasgo said women are “dismissed” despite being well-qualified and willing to do the jobs..The revelation comes as sources still within the UCP caucus continue to speak to the Western Standard on condition of anonymity. Last week, the Western Standard reported an unprecedented play-by-play of the caucus meeting to expel two rebel MLAs from its ranks..Glasgo is a first-term UCP MLA..Minutes after the story was published, Glasgo responded with a prepared statement calling the story “contorted and sensationalized.”.“I want to take a moment to clarify what I actually said, since the political website in question did not even reach out to me before publishing,” she wrote..The Western Standard has reached out to Glasgo multiple times in recently weeks and has never received a response..“I ran in a nomination at 23 in a competitive riding on a platform to see new energy and different perspectives brought to the table. I am, without question, passionate about getting more women involved in all aspects of government and politics and leadership roles, more generally.”.“As a party and government that recognizes the talent, skill and importance of women – I believe our United Conservative team can be a leader in this effort. I have and will continue to urge the government, at all levels, to continue to include women in positions of influence because they belong there and their voices need to be heard, not because of a quota or a box that needs checking..“While I acknowledge that we already have many qualified women in leadership roles, there is always room for improvement. Humility and thoughtful constructive criticism are essential to good public policy and good governance, more generally..“As strong, qualified women continue to break barriers, this will be an important and ongoing conversation taking place across society. I am glad to be able to voice my opinion on it.”.Last Thursday, the UCP caucus expelled MLAs Drew Barnes and Todd Loewen in a secret vote..Barnes had been a pain in Kenney’s backside since the UCP took power. The pair have disagreed on everything from the Fair Deal panel to centralizing ambulance dispatch..Loewen’s departure was much more sudden. Last Thursday he published a letter on his Facebook page demanding Kenney resign. It was supported by MLA Dave Hanson but he was allowed to stay..EDITOR’S NOTE: Story updated at 2:14 p.m. MST with a prepared statement by Michaela Glasgo.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
