The Lockdowns Killed Kenney

The resignation of Jason Kenney may seem like a shock to some people after he survived the leadership review, but considering the very narrow margin he won by (51.4%), it was the only option that would prevent the NDP from returning to power.

Likely the only reason he won was that there was no real conservative option outside of him. Both Brain Jean and Danielle Smith have a history of Red Toryism. If someone like MLA Drew Barnes was actively seeking to run for leadership Kenney likely would have been blown out in the leadership review vote. 

Ultimately his cardinal sin was the lockdowns and over enforcement of the mandates. It is hard for a lot of conservatives and anti-lockdown advocates to look past the images of pastors being arrested and thrown in jail for trying to hold a service. The AHS lying about their numbers to fire healthcare workers didn’t help either.

In Kenney’s defence, Alberta was nowhere as crazy as Ontario or Quebec, but that is hardly an accomplishment. Kenney could have been Canada’s Ron DeSantis but didn’t have the courage to run the gauntlet of media and “experts” sneering to maintain the freedoms of everyday Albertans. 

Just like Erin O’Toole before him, Jason Kenney lost his job due to the betrayal of the base. He couldn’t defeat Trudeau’s Carbon Tax, there is slow movement on equalization and Alberta is at the same disadvantage federally as it was when he started. 

Yes, he was better than Notley for most but his failure to respect the promises to the base he ran on is another data point that dispels the myth of the mass appeal of the Red Tory. 

The lesson that should be learned inside Alberta and probably the Federal Conservative Party as well is that you can’t just throw away your base when it is politically convenient for you. To be a leader you need to stand on principles because without them you won’t have the moral authority to lead.