MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Elected officials in Alberta, including at the provincial level, should and must be held to high standards of conduct, says Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers.
“Elected officials are held to a higher level of conduct,” said Aalbers. “I am hopeful an individual’s lapses in judgment is not perceived as a reflection of government as a whole.
“It is unfortunate that the issues of a few could cast doubt on the integrity of the majority of those who hold elected positions.”
Aalbers' comments come in response to revelations that UCP Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu contacted the Edmonton police chief after receiving a traffic citation last year.
Premier Kenney has not fired Madu from cabinet, instead saying the minister has been asked to step back from his ministerial duties pending the outcome of an investigation.
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Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills UCP MLA Nathan Cooper and Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre UCP MLA Jason Nixon did not immediately respond to requests from the Albertan for comment.
The official Opposition calls Madu’s actions political interference.
“Kaycee Madu must resign,” said NDP Justice critic Irfan Sabir. “He cannot be on leave of absence or a paid vacation. Stepping back is not the same as stepping down.”
Critics are also calling on Premier Kenney to say exactly when he knew about the Madu call.
“What did Jason Kenney know and when?” asked Sabir.
Town of Carstairs Mayor Lance Colby, a former Calgary police officer, says elected officials must maintain a high standard of conduct and refrain from abusing their positions of authority.
“You are a citizen and you have got to respect the rules, and if you are breaking them you have to pay the price like anyone else would,” said Colby.
For her part, reeve Aalbers says Mountain View County councillors have and will continue to be held to a high standard of conduct.
“I am proud to have sat on two councils that have demonstrated the highest level of integrity and could not be more proud to lead the current group of councillors who are working so hard in the best interest of their constituents,” said Aalbers.
Town of Didsbury Mayor Rhonda Hunter said she does not have any comment to make regarding the Madu situation.
