Alberta seniors barred from legislature

A group of Alberta seniors who protested against UCP cuts to post-secondary education were barred from entering the legislature. (Pixabay Photo)

EDMONTON — A group of Alberta seniors who protested against UCP cuts to post-secondary education were barred from entering the legislature.

A group of Raging Grannies joined students and other Albertans in front of the legislature building on November 18. After the peaceful demonstration had concluded, a group of them wanted to come inside to warm up, sit down, and use the public cafeteria.

They were denied access to the building, even though tour groups and other members of the public were allowed in.

“This is disgraceful, and so symbolic of this government,” said Sarah Hoffman, Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and MLA for Edmonton-Glenora. “My constituents exercised their constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, and as a result they were denied entry to a building that belongs, literally and symbolically, to all Albertans.

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Three of the Raging Grannies, Sylvia Krogh, Louise Swift and Edda Loomes, will be introduced by the Speaker in the legislature today as guests of their MLA. Hoffman will also make a statement about this episode in the house.

“The government of Premier Jason Kenney is focused on rewarding its cronies and donors. He has forgotten that he is accountable to Albertans,” Hoffman said.