By Canadian Press/LNN Staff

Alberta jobs minister wants answers from caucus colleague who attended border protest

Jan 31, 2022 | 3:31 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Alberta cabinet minister Doug Schweitzer says he wants answers from a fellow caucus member who attended a truckers protest that is snarling traffic at the United States border.

Schweitzer says he’s disappointed that Cardston-Taber-Warner MLA Grant Hunter went to the Alberta-Manitoba crossing at Coutts this weekend, where truckers were protesting a vaccine mandate for drivers.

Hunter posted on Twitter the following image on January 30th showing his support for the convoy, which has since been removed.

Image from Grant Hunter’s Twitter post on January 30

Schweitzer, the Minister for Jobs, Economy, and Innovation says the United Conservative caucus needs to discuss the matter, and he looks forward to hearing Hunter’s reasons for going.

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Hunter could not be immediately reached for comment.

Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley asserts that Hunter needs to step down from his position.

“Grant Hunter is taking part in a blockade that the Premier and the RCMP have both declared illegal. It is completely untenable for him to continue as a member of the government caucus.”

“This is dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric, and it’s unacceptable for someone who speaks like this during a public health crisis to remain part of the governing caucus,” Notley adds.

“The vast majority of Canadian truckers are vaccinated and working day and night to transport vital goods to Alberta families and businesses, even while this small minority prevents them from doing their jobs.

It was not clear if the highway was fully blocked at the time.

Read more: CBSA warns of “extensive delays” as Coutts convoy continues

Read more: Alberta truckers hit provincial roads to support compatriots in Ottawa