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Parliamentary Adviser on Constitutional Affairs to Alberta Premier Smith Resigns
Stephan left his parliamentary secretary post after urging support for a petition that seeks an Alberta independence referendum, drawing criticism from opposition leaders.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's office announced Tuesday that her parliamentary secretary of constitutional affairs Jason Stephan has resigned, with the Red Deer-South MLA confirming he stepped down on April 7, less than two weeks after publishing a separatist editorial.
- Stephan's controversy began in late March when he published an editorial in the Western Standard urging Albertans to sign Stay Free Alberta's petition for independence, stating 'Canada's Constitution is rigged against Alberta,' drawing swift criticism from NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi.
- While Stephan did not directly advocate for separation, he wrote that a referendum vote would send a message to Ottawa and what he called its 'stupid laws and policies,' and when his government posted a $9.4-billion budget deficit, he declared 'Alberta has an Ottawa problem. Thinking Alberta will get fairness from Ottawa is false hope.'
- Premier Smith's spokesperson Sam Blackett said Stephan remains a 'valued member' of caucus and chose to resign while remaining supportive of the government, though Smith's office did not say when a replacement would be named to the 'critically important' role.
- Stephan's resignation comes as Smith prepares for an October referendum on separation and as an Edmonton court earlier this month threw out the separatist petition, ruling the government failed to consult First Nations; Smith has promised to appeal while insisting her government is not pro-separatist.
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Danielle Smith's parliamentary adviser on constitutional affairs resigns
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office says her parliamentary adviser on constitutional affairs has resigned. The premier’s office said Tuesday that Jason Stephan, the United Conservative legislature member for Red Deer-South, is still a valued member of caucus. “He chose to resign earlier this year from his role as parliamentary secretary but made it clear he […]
·Toronto, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 33%
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