MLA Todd Loewen stepping down as UCP Caucus Chair, asking Premier Kenney to resign

Todd Loewen, MLA for Central Peace-Notley, has announced his resignation as UCP Caucus Chair, and asked Premier Jason Kenney to do the same.

Loewen shared a letter addressed to the Premier on his Facebook page last night; a letter informing Kenney of his decision, reasoning and the request for him to resign.

In his post, Loewen cites “persistent issues of dysfunction within government” and says Premier Kenney is the “primary source of this dysfunction”.

Loewen further explains in the letter, “I no longer believe that caucus can function properly; meetings have been cancelled without members’ consent, significant decisions of government have been made without notice to members, and our input as elected members is rarely considered. Additionally, I feel it is best to resign this position to be able to speak freely.”

Loewen mentions several issues he believes the government has not handled well, which has resulted in Albertans losing trust in the government’s leadership. He blames Kenney for not bringing “balance and reason to the discussion”.

Lowen says he still upholds the principles and values under which he was elected and is not leaving the party.

“My constituents overwhelmingly believe in a strong, united party and I must represent that belief.”

Loewen concludes his letter asking Premier Kenney to resign.

“We [in the UCP] did not unite around blind loyalty to one man. And, while you promoted unity, it is clear that unity is falling apart. I know that many Albertans, including myself, no longer have confidence in your leadership. I thank you for your service, but I am asking that you resign so that we can begin to put the province back together again.”

Read the full letter here: