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Originally Posted by JFK
I didn't see any disrespect, Ken's pretty known to saddle up to every any any photo op available, calling him out on that isn't disrespectful, and man can he motor around on that chair at a shocking speed. Seeing Ken burst from handshake to handshake, photo to photo is pretty consistent with any interaction I've had with him. It also doesn't take any any of the experiences and genuine respect you have for him.
I like Ken, I used to like him more. Think he's been a failure as an MP since being elected, a disaster as veterans affair minister. Taking 132k in transitional allowance (paid for by the alberta tax payer) has left me with a bitter taste in my mouth, that's never been explained. It's not illegal, he technically did nothing wrong but he went from being an MLA to MP, (70k raise in the process), that's not what the program was designed for.
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That transitional allowance is nothing compared to what the MLAs received in the not too distant past though. They were getting insane amounts of money (like years and years of pay). I believe the current allowance is one year of pay. And he didn't just step into the new position. He resigned, and then was elected as MP. That's a lot more forthright than others have behaved (i.e. Jason Kenney campaigning for PC leadership while keeping his seat as an MP).
And his pay raise is because he was elected, but also because he was appointed to the cabinet. Cabinet ministers are paid more than regular MPs. I know Kent personally, and frankly the amount of work and obligations of his role as Veterans Affairs Minister were incredibly demanding. It sounds fun to travel to France and swing by Vimy, right? It's grueling. Kent doesn't complain and doesn't whinge about this, that's just my take. He cheerfully heads out and completes these duties. I just think it sounds like more fun than it actually is.
So yeah, he took the transition allowance with no Liberal being elected here since 1968, and after getting elected received a raise and cabinet post. I don't see how would hold that against the guy, but I guess to each their own.