Kenney may be down but not out

Without doubt, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is in some trouble. A recent opinion survey put Rachel Notley’s NDP opposition ahead of the United Conservative party (UCP), within reach of forming a majority if a vote were held now. His popularity has eroded during the COVID-19 crisis, despite the fact --or perhaps because of it-- Alberta has had some of the least restrictive confinement rules that provincial governments have adopted to shield failing healthcare systems.

Premier Kenney listens to Dana Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer.

Canadian voters love the secure feeling of being in the charge of lockdown enthusiasts. That’s where Kenney started. He was stampeded into panic in March 2020. Already in a dispute with doctors at the time, he gave into the takeover of medical bureaucrats and set aside the existing provincial emergency pandemic plan. He came close to veering into a new direction when he apologised for the mistake in classifying businesses as essential and nonessential;…