Is Premier Kenney’s popularity in his own party sliding?

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Premier Jason Kenney’s leadership during the pandemic has drawn criticism over everything from centralizing ambulance services, the holiday travel scandal to a couple of UCP MLA’s breaking ranks over pandemic rules.

This has many asking, is Premier Kenney losing hold on his party?

Mount Royal University political scientist Lori Williams says there’s no question things have become more difficult for Kenney, not only in the legislature but also to average Albertans.

RELATED: Kenney defends COVID-19 caucus criticism, says final decisions rest with government

“We saw a reflection of this with the reversal of their coal policy; this government is under siege from across the province from pockets that normally would have supported him,” Williams said.

Some Alberta businesses are getting fed up with the province’s COVID restrictions and are defying public health orders.

READ MORE: Wood Buffalo may be the first, but more could depart EMS dispatch system

Recently, an Airdrie restaurant was fined for opening dine-in service last month.

The owner of Jam’s, Brad Stefaniuk, says he opened for two days out of desperation because he needed to pay his staff members.

“I didn’t have rent, didn’t have money to pay the staff wages, so we just opened. Luckily, we made enough to pay the workers. The landlord finally got back to me after that and said we will raise your rent or defer it again, which, just killed me in September,” Stefaniuk said.

Stefaniuk says it wasn’t a political move.

The premier says his caucus and Albertans are free to disagree with health measures, while some question whether he's losing his grip on the party and supporters. @CrisLaderas reports. pic.twitter.com/h7rpff5Lnd

— CityNews Calgary (@citynewscalgary) February 11, 2021

“I have been following Angela Pitt since I sent her letters and she replied with a generic hey, we are here fighting for you big guy, and you just keep on keeping on.”

He’s dismissing it, calling it all lies.

Williams says it’s difficult also to see what the premier can do to win voters back. “We are all seeing and hearing from people who are saying that they voted for Jason Kenney last time,”

She says some of those folks are looking for where to park next time.

Williams adds we will have to wait and see if people jump ship, whether it’s people in Kenney’s caucus or party membership.