Just one day after taking on the helm of the new United Conservative Party in Alberta, interim leader Nathan Cooper is dealing with controversy raised by a past association.
At a news conference Tuesday, Cooper was questioned about a report that he used to work for the right-wing organization Canada Family Action.
The left-wing website Press Progress reported that in 2009, Cooper worked as the assistant to the president of the group, which says on its website that it advocates for family-friendly policies and Christian principles.
The website offers “resources for parents and citizens regarding homosexual agenda” and provides a link to a site “dedicated to the research, therapy and prevention of homosexuality.”
Cooper told the news conference his opinions on LGBTQ issues have changed over time.
Cooper said he now fully supports the gay community and said the party under his stewardship will, too.
“Those statements do not reflect my views today in any capacity,” he said. “I believe in an open and inclusive party for all Albertans, regardless of their race, their creed, their orientation.
“Over a 10-year period, you learn a lot. Values and views sometimes change. There are lots of things I didn’t understand then that I know now. I think it’s important that we have a society that is inclusive.”
But Deputy Premier Sarah Hoffman wasn’t satisfied with that answer. She said he owes Albertans a better explanation.
“The comments that he made in the past on very public record do point to homophobia.”
“Saying that your opinions have changed without saying in what ways, how, when — I think he owes Albertans that and if he can’t give them that, I think that he should resign,” Hoffman said.
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Dr. Kristopher Wells, director of the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies at the University of Alberta, said on Twitter that politicians like Cooper need to be measured by their actions, not their words.
“And make their positions known on gay-straight alliances, outing LGBTQ kids, women’s reproductive health, and human rights. So far, nothing but silence.”
Wells said the new UCP as a whole has to demonstrate its intent.
“Just where does UCP stand? Clear LGBTQ-inclusive policies and support for human rights will be proof.”
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In fact, LGBTQ issues were cited by one Conservative member of the legislature who announced this week he will not join the new party, which was formed last weekend by a merger of the Tories and the Wildrose.
Richard Starke, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster, said he did not like leadership hopeful Jason Kenney’s comments earlier this year on gay-straight alliances in schools.
Kenney had said that schools should inform parents if their children join an alliance as long as it doesn’t put the child at risk. Critics said that would effectively out a child and could put them at harm of family estrangement or worse.
READ MORE: Jason Kenney slammed for comments about gay-straight alliances
Starke also said he was concerned that Kenney did not attend Pride events last month. Starke went in his place.
Former Wildrose leader Brian Jean, who is also seeking the UCP leadership, also took issue with Kenney over gay-straight alliances, saying they should be left as peer groups for students.
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