Photo: Government of Alberta

By Shane Clausing

Following her resignation as minister

Political scientist says Allard has lots of work to do to regain residents’ trust

Jan 4, 2021 | 4:18 PM

Grande Prairie political scientist Dawn Moffat-McMaster is reacting to Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard’s decision to step down from her role as Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs.

The decision by Allard came after it was revealed on New Year’s Eve the now-former minister took a Christmas vacation to Hawaii, even though provincial and federal health officials advised against all non-essential international travel amid the ongoing pandemic.

Over the last several days, backlash and calls for Allard’s resignation have been heard on social media, Grande Prairie and Alberta.

Moffat-McMaster says she’s not surprised by Allard’s decision to step down.

“I think this is the first time I’ve seen this kind of anger across the political spectrum. I think a lot of it was directed at Allard because she was a cabinet minister, but I think it’s broader in terms of the other MLA’s and staffers as well.”

Premier Kenney also announced Monday that several other MLAs and high-ranking officials who travelled outside of Canada for Christmas will lose their Legislature committee responsibilities.

The announcement from the Premier came after he said that he could not discipline any of the MLA’s who had travelled because they had technically done nothing wrong.

According to Moffat-McMaster, what sparked the main controversy about Allard and other UCP MLA’s vacations was the fact Albertans are facing stiff penalties for breaking any COVID-19 rules or regulations, while MLA’s were able to get away for a vacation.

“You have a lot of people who feel like the restrictions were reasonable and needed. They weren’t able to visit family or friends in hospital or at senior homes. People are very angry that these recommendations weren’t followed by those elected and appointed officials. It really does reach across the political spectrum in this case.”

Moffat-McMaster tells EverythingGP the trip was a bad look despite the fact it was legal.

As for how Allard can bounce back and get her political career back on track, Moffat-McMaster says it could be difficult.

“It’s really going to depend on the strategy that she’s going to take. I think a fulsome apology is probably going to be the first thing, but then it’s going to have to be followed up with a demonstration that she is being diligent in trying to make that up to her constituents and the province frankly.”

“She’s going to want to be at all of the community meetings, reaching out to people as much as possible and unfortunately for her, it’s going to mean making these types of apologies more than once. Addressing the issue and not trying to ignore it is really going to be key in terms of trying to regain the trust of her constituents.”

EverythingGP has reached out to Allard for comment on her resignation from her role as Minister of Municipal Affairs.