There are slightly fewer restrictions than during Alberta’s previous lockdowns. And more exemptions.
But the balance is not intuitive. The approach is inconsistent.
Most people will find it impossible to figure out what is and isn’t allowed under the re-imposed restrictions. And that complexity and arbitrariness will make public compliance spotty.
I suspect the latest restrictions, announced late Wednesday by Premier Jason Kenney, Health Minister Tyler Shandro and chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw will drive defections from the UCP caucus.
Defecting MLAs may even form a new party. And many members of the current party, even if they don’t leave, will stop donating, fundraising and volunteering.
There will also likely be a challenge to Kenney’s leadership. Several MLAs at an emergency caucus meeting on Wednesday are said to have demanded he resign now for the good of the party.
Those voices of discontent are only likely to grow for the next few weeks as these confusing, disjointed and unwelcome restrictions begin to take hold and Albertans struggle to abide by what is and isn’t allowed – and what is exempted.
A leadership challenge may even be successful. Yet even if it is unsuccessful, the internal disruption will harm the UCP’s chances of being re-elected in 2023.
Who knows, we may even be headed for another 2015 where the right-of-centre vote splits and the NDP are elected again in a three-way race. I’m just so thankful our daughter’s wedding was held 10 days ago rather than being scheduled for 10 days from now.
[Interesting Read]
See Also:
(1) With denials flying, Kenney finally tackles a crisis far advanced
(2) Lockdown restrictions on the fully vaccinated a bitter pill
(3) Jason Kenney’s COVID crisis hits federal election campaign trail
(4) Jason Kenney kills game night in Alberta even for the vaccinated
(5) It’s time for Kenney to resign
