EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Alison Redford has become a regular no-show during legislature question period.
Redford has attended twice in the last two weeks as she deals with members of her caucus quitting or openly questioning her leadership.
And she hasn’t spoken with the media since she announced on the weekend that the Progressive Conservative party executive was giving her a work plan to quell the turmoil.
On Wednesday in the legislature, NDP Leader Brian Mason got in a dig by acknowledging parliamentary rules that say he can’t talk about a member being absent.
“Mr. Speaker, the government house leader has made a point of order. I realize that I was not supposed to draw attention to the repeated absence of the premier, so I will apologize,” Mason said to laughter from opposition benches.
Opposition politicians say they want to know why the premier hasn’t been in question period. They say Redford has to show up for work if she wants to earn back the trust of Albertans.
Earlier in the day, the Liberals tweeted a tongue-in-cheek invitation asking Redford to attend question period.
“Your presence is cordially requested in the assembly for question period. Sorry you couldn’t make it last time,” said the mock invitation written in a formal, cursive script.
Deputy premier Dave Hancock shot back in the house, saying Redford is working.
In recent days, the premier has given a speech to rural politicians, raised a flag for Ukraine and welcomed troops home from Afghanistan. She has not taken questions at any of those appearances.
“This premier showed up this morning to the (meeting of municipal districts and counties) and had two standing ovations,” Hancock said. “They appreciate the work this premier does and this government does.”
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