NDP not happy Taber MLA was at blockades

According to the provincial NDP in a press release, Premier Jason Kenney must kick Grant Hunter out of the government caucus after the UCP MLA for Taber-Warner made yet another trip to the illegal blockade of the border crossing at Coutts.

Hunter was interviewed on camera at an event with the illegal blockaders.

He claimed to have visited this unlawful blockade three times, including with his children and grandchildren, despite both the Premier and Justice Minister Sonya Savage calling this blockade illegal. Moreover, Hunter described the blockades at Coutts, other border crossings and in Ottawa as having “inspired nations.” The Opposition states “this illegal blockade is obstructing $44 million worth of international trade each day and seriously harming Alberta’s economy.”

The government not only has refused to seek injunction or take any action to end this blockade, but also their MLAs are cheering on these blockaders.

“Albertans can’t trust the UCP when they stand by and tolerate Grant Hunter’s repeated participation in an illegal activity, which is harming Alberta families and businesses,” stated Irfan Sabir, Alberta NDP Justice Critic.

“If Jason Kenney and the UCP really care the slightest about the rule of law, they will immediately remove Grant Hunter from the government caucus, and immediately apply to the courts for an injunction to disperse the blockade.”

Photos of Hunter at the blockade surfaced on its first day. Jason Kenney defended his presence there saying that Hunter had put out a statement claiming “he does not support unlawful protest”.

The NDP release adds that “now that Hunter has made it crystal clear why he was there and how inspiring this blockade is, Kenney must not allow him to remain a UCP MLA.”

“Grant Hunter deliberately took part in an illegal blockade after his own Premier and the Attorney General spoke against it,” Sabir said. “The UCP caucus is out of control, and Jason Kenney must act.”