Premier refers to Kenney as ‘minister of make believe’
United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney batted back criticisms Monday that a six-day trip to India last week to promote trade with Alberta may have confused senior government officials abroad.
“The tradition of opposition leaders travelling abroad is hardly new,” Kenney said at a Calgary news conference, adding he has “deep and useful” connections in India after four previous trips.
But Premier Rachel Notley said the trip — which also included UCP MLAs Devin Dreeshen and Prasad Panda — means Kenney has a record of saying he’s something he’s not.
“He was in India ... suggesting that he was a member of our cabinet and extolling the virtues of our government policies,” she said, speaking at a ceremony Monday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Kananaskis Country.
“I think he’s either seen the light or (is) conversely getting started a little early on the pot legalization, not sure which.”
Notley added Kenney was “sort of the minister of make believe.”
Alberta Economic Development and Trade Minister Deron Bilous has voiced concerns that the roles of the UCP MLAs could be misinterpreted abroad.
A federal minister in India, Nitin Gadkari, tweeted a photo of him shaking hands with Kenney whom he called an “Hon’ble Minister” from Alberta. Bilous said it underlined how easily there could be confusion.
Kenney said the trip was “all positive” and touted conversations with Indian ministers in charge of external affairs, transportation and food processing as well as the chief government whip.
Other pit stops, which brought Kenney’s team to New Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar and Jamnagar, included a tour of a large petrochemical refinery and a roundtable with oil and gas executives.
Kenney said he didn’t criticize Notley’s government and made it clear he was Alberta’s opposition leader.
“When I leave the borders of Canada, I’m on Team Alberta,” he said.
When I leave the borders of Canada, I’m on Team Alberta.