Premier Danielle Smith issues statement regarding UCP Candidate, Jennifer Johnson

Update: 

Lacombe-Ponoka Candidate, Jennifer Johnson has responded to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's statement earlier today on social media. 

Original Post: 

Alberta Premier and Leader of the United Conservative Party of Alberta, Danielle Smith has issued the following statement regarding the UCP's Lacombe-Ponoka Candidate, Jennifer Johnson: 

“The UCP candidate for Lacombe-Ponoka, Jennifer Johnson, used offensive language and a vile analogy when speaking about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for which she has apologized. 

"Elected officials have a responsibility to represent all communities. Although there are certainly legitimate policy discussions to be had on youth transgender issues, the language used by Ms. Johnson regarding children identifying as transgender is simply unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our party or province. 

"I have informed Ms. Johnson that should she win a seat as the UCP candidate for Lacombe-Ponoka, she will not sit as a member of the United Conservative caucus in the Legislature. 

"I strongly encourage Ms. Johnson to meet with parents, students, teachers, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to learn, grow and inform herself about these issues and how to discuss them with dignity and in a manner respectful to all involved.

"I encourage all candidates from all parties not to use this or any other election to provoke distrust, anxiety and hate between people for political purposes. It is time to move forward."