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Alberta Premier sticks with decision to fire rogue MP Boutilier

by albertacowpoke | July 21, 2009 at 05:11 am

151 views | 18 Recommendations | 10 comments

On July 18th I reported that a member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly, and member of the government had been kicked out of caucus. Guy Boutilier has also been relieved of all duties in the Treasury.

Boutilier had criticized the government for postponing or canceling a long term care centre that had been promised in Fort MacMurray. Boutilier also stated his intention in assisting with a planned demonstration at Government House in Fort MacMurray.

The Alberta Premier, Ed Stelmach, reiterated yesterday that he would stick with his decision to remove Boutilier from the caucus and the Treasury.

"This isn't simply just one comment," said Stelmach. "A number of comments have been made over the last few days...That's not the way this government operates under my leadership."

Boutilier said he attempted to meet with the premier to discuss the situation but his request was turned down.

"I said, 'Premier, I'd really like to meet with you face to face,' and he said no. So I said I'd really like to meet with my colleagues and he said no," said Boutilier.

The fact that Premier Ed Stelmach did not meet Guy Boutilier face to face is disturbing. Everyone should be allowed to have his day in court, even if they disagree with the "King of Alberta", Ed Stelmach. Even Ralph Klein would have granted an audience.

After checking blogs in Alberta, it appears that the public is highly in favour of Boutiliers action and condemn Ed Stelmach's reaction to this. Many of the blogs urge Guy Boutilier to run in the next election. Guy Boutilier's Riding Association also supports him.

Caucaus members are not talking, probably to protect their behinds. The Conservative Party should be holding a leadership review in the not to distant future, perhaps this will be the occasion to let Stelmach know how the electorate feels.

Premier Ed Stelmach says it was a difficult move but one that was necessary. He's referring to the decision to kick rogue MLA Guy Boutilier out of caucus.

"This isn't simply just one comment," said Stelmach. "A number of comments have been made over the last few days...That's not the way this government operates under my leadership."

Boutilier spoke out against Tory healthcare cuts, that affect plans for a longterm care home in Boutilier's Fort McMurray constituency.

Boutilier said he attempted to meet with the premier to discuss the situation but his request was turned down.

"I said, 'Premier, I'd really like to meet with you face to face,' and he said no. So I said I'd really like to meet with my colleagues and he said no," said Boutilier.

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Paschen

at 05:20 on July 21st, 2009

This may be Boutilier his ticket to become the next PM of Alberta.

sivakaran

at 12:47 on July 21st, 2009

You mean Premier of Alberta. may be.

albertacowpoke

at 13:08 on July 21st, 2009

Now that is a possibility after a leadership review or if he switches to another party.

albertacowpoke

at 06:08 on July 21st, 2009

Who knows Paschen, I won't hold my breath though.

158

at 08:55 on July 21st, 2009

Is he still a member of the assembly?

albertacowpoke

at 09:16 on July 21st, 2009

Yes they cannot kick him out of the assembly. He is duly elected. They have just excluded him from the party caucus and a treasurer job he had with the government.

158

at 09:56 on July 21st, 2009

Thanks.

albertacowpoke

at 09:58 on July 21st, 2009

You're welcome:)

RRR (not verified)

at 06:32 on August 8th, 2009

Stelmach government doesn't believe in democracy. It's shameful that elected conservative MLAs don't speak up for their constituents more often and instead simply tow the party line.

albertacowpoke

at 11:37 on August 8th, 2009

I totally agree with you. Unfortunately that is the way our Canadian system works. You either tow the line with the caucus or you.re a goner. Thanks for your comments.