The Town of High Prairie is in the works of writing a letter to Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pat Rehn concerning his lack of support and representation of the region. Residents and town council want to express their discontent with not being able to talk with their local MLA and voice their concerns.
High Prairie Mayor, Brian Panasiuk says “He’s not been prepared for our meetings, and hasn’t really followed up on some of the meetings. Those are some of the concerns we want addressed.” Panasiuk says they are not calling for him to step down but instead try to fix the issues.
Panasiuk adds residents in the region wants to see him in their region more at events and have the chance to talk to him to relay information higher up.
Rehn was kicked out of the United Conservative Party Caucus January 14, 2021 after multiple complaints of not representing his constituents. Rehn started controversy over the Christmas break, as he vacationed in Mexico with non-essential travel not being recommended by public health officials. Outrage among citizens began when news broke of his travels along with other politicians vacations; despite constituents being told to stay home, not visit family members or have gatherings.
Premier Jason Kenney released in a statement January 14, 2021: “I have repeatedly asked Mr.Rehn to be more present in his constituency. He has ignored calls from me, UCP caucus leaders and his constituents to do so.” Rehn currently sits as an independent and will not be allowed to run for the UCP in future elections.
The Town of Slave Lake called for Rehn to resign on January 5, 2021 in an open letter, to which Rehn responded with a statement the same day saying “I made some poor choices around travel, for which I take full responsibility.” Rehn wrapped up his statement saying he will continue to represent the Lesser Slave Lake region.
-Erika Rolling, Trending 55 Newsroom
