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Another group calls for MLA Pat Rehn to resign

Photo of MLA Pat Rehn

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – There are growing calls for a former UCP MLA to resign.

The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) is joining the Town of Slave Lake in demanding that now-Independent MLA Pat Rehn step down from office.

Rehn was expelled from the UCP Caucus by Premier Jason Kenney this week saying he continually failed to show up for his riding and ignored his calls to be present.

Rehn also faced criticism for vacationing in Mexico over the Christmas holidays despite public health order recommending against non-essential travel overseas.

In a stern letter released Friday, the AUMA said it stands behind the community of Slave Lake and supports the Premier’s decision to remove Rehn from the party.

“We appreciate the willingness of the provincial government to listen to municipal concerns and needs and provide the necessary supports, The statement reads. “By failing to engage with and advocate for his constituents, MLA Rehn broke public trust of his local councils and failed to be accountable to his constituents.”

Rehn has since taken to social media to respond to his ousting from the UCP originally saying he was relieved to be kicked out. He has since edited that post to remove that line but indicated that he does not plan to resign as MLA for Lesser Slave Lake.

He also took the time to voice his displeasure for some of the lockdown measures put in place by his now former political party.

“I believe strongly that measures must be taken to prevent COVID-19, but also recognize the long-lasting effects caused by the lockdown itself.”

Opposition NDP Leader Rachel Notley also called for Rehn to step down saying, “he clearly doesn’t want the job, he no longer has the support of the Albertans who elected and there is simply no way that we can expect he will do better as a representative when he is sitting by himself, in fact, I worry he won’t show up at all.”

With files from CityNews Edmonton