Thread by @RageMunicipal

Today at @TheAUMA leaders' conference: @jkenney and closing remarks from @bmorishita.

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As we wait for today's speakers, here's a discussion we're holding that may interest those with @TheAUMA

https://twitter.com/RageMunicipal/status/1382739692026695682

We'll be hearing from the premier very shortly.

Kenney highlights Brooks being recognized in Maclean's as a great place to live. Edmonton and Calgary also did well (Edmonton beat Calgary). Kenney trying to make some jokes. "Get back to work," he jokes, to Calgary.

Thanks @doniveson and @nenshi as both are not seeking re-election.

"A year ago I kind of felt like I was staring into the abyss," Kenney says of the pandemic. "There were some pretty bleak moments. But I have to say Albertans have risen to the challenge ... we're on the 10 yard line. We have just a few more yards to go."

Kenney on working with munis. Says variants have started to win. "They are significantly more contagious."

Of note: A large number of Kenney's caucus has come out to suggest increased restrictions are the wrong way to go.

Kenney says we're getting to a significant level of vaccine protection.

"Within a couple of weeks we should see about 30 per cent of the population with some significant protection."

"We're stuck in this race right now, which is why we had to make the difficult decision to bring in additional measures. I understand how people are frustrated. God knows I am."

Says Alberta has tried to take measured approach. "Some people say 'Why can't we have consistency?' The answer is the virus isn't consistent."

Says the goals are consistent if the measures aren't.

Thanks municipal leadership for Alberta's success.

Kenney: "We've never had anything remotely like a lockdown in Alberta."

"Right now 95 per cent of Albertan businesses are able to operate (with restrictions)."

"Please help us pull through these last few weeks," he asks of municipal leaders. Says we're that close.

"We can move towards a great Alberta summer" with significantly relaxed measures. "We are just that close. Hang in there and help us through these last few weeks."

Says the next big challenge after the virus is the economy.

Kenney is talking up MSI investment increases. "I know some of you are frustrated with the decreases in MSI [over longer term]" Kenney says. This is an understatement if you speak with many muni leaders.

Says the province is trying to address the downturn. Every partner has to play a role.

"It's an expense that we had to deal with in our budget. I do hope you understand the need for some restraint in those areas."

Says if the U.S. proceeds with tax increases, Alberta will have the lowest combined tax rate. "That will be a terrific selling feature."

Also talks of the red-tape reduction strategy.

"I want to thank cities, towns and municipalities ... for realizing that we have to move at the speed of business."

Congratulates many communities for reducing regulations.

Says Alberta has to be the most business friendly place.

"We're all battered and bruised." Says there's been hopelessness.

"It's important for us ... to believe in this province."

Says we're poised for an economic renaissance.

"We are already firing on so many cylinders."

Note: In this analogy, are we a V6, V8, or W12?

Kenney has not discussed the referendum, recall legislation, the changes to the Local Authorities Elections Act, and, well, all that stuff.

"There are so many reasons for us to be hopeful, to see in the balance of this year that we'll regain lost ground and establish ourselves as Canada's economic leaders."

That's the end of @jkenney