Jason Kenney, born in Oakville, Ontario, moved with his family to Wilcox,
Saskatchewan, at the age of 8, where his father was named president of Notre Dame College. Upon graduating from Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Jason went on to study philosophy at the University of San Francisco.
In his early twenties, Kenney came to Alberta where his focus turned to politics. He began his career advocating as the President of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation in the early 90’s. The most significant outcome of his role was the end of gold-plated pensions for Alberta MLAs.
At the age of 29, Kenney was elected to the House of Commons after deciding to run for public office as a Member of Parliament for Calgary Southeast. He was re-elected five times.
In July 2016, Kenney campaigned to unite Alberta’s two conservative parties by announcing his candidacy to lead the Progressive Conservative party. In March of 2017, he won the PC leadership with more than 75% of the vote.
From there, he negotiated with Wildrose leader Brian Jean to unite the PC and Wildrose parties, ultimately resulting in the United Conservative Party, formed in July 2017.
On October 28, 2017, Kenney won the leadership of the United Conservative Party. Less than two months later, on December 14, 2017, he became Leader of the Official Opposition and was elected to represent the people of Calgary-Lougheed.
The UCP’s slogan to build an “Alberta Strong and Free” promises numerous merits for the working class of Alberta, but what about the youth? After years of the Progressive Conservatives in leadership, the NDP government had finally introduced GSA legislation which protected LGBTQ youth in schools.
“Kenney has committed that, if elected, he would roll back GSA legislation and bring back the loophole-filled Gordon Dirks bill that left LGBTQ kids vulnerable to attack.”
Jason Kenney has said loud and clear that he thinks human rights should be negotiable, and this is nothing new. After being sworn in as PC leader, two weeks had not even passed before Kenny promised his first big policy in his party would be to out LGBTQ kids in school. Where are his priorities, and is that what Alberta’s youth and future needs?
It’s been two years since Kenney first promised to out LGBTQ students and two years since he’s changed his position. GSAs save lives and Kenney’s attacks on these safe spaces will put young people at risk. Is someone who attacks vulnerable young people really fit to be Premier?
Yes, this election is about reigniting our economy and creating affordable lives for Albertans. However, the government is to represent all Albertans, and not a select few. Today’s progress and tomorrow’s success is dependent on the youth, and creating a safe space for them and fostering an environment for them that allows room for courage and growth is what Alberta needs, and is perhaps not what we’ll get in “an Alberta Strong and Free.”