Alberta Minister Devin Dreeshen resigns following heavy drinking allegations

Alberta’s Agriculture and Forestry Minister has resigned from his cabinet post.

In a statement on Twitter, Devin Dreeshen says he is resigning to focus on problems related to alcohol.

This morning, I offered Premier Jason Kenney my resignation as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and he has accepted.

I accept that my personal conduct with regards to alcohol has become an issue for the government as a whole.

— Devin Dreeshen (@DevinDVote) November 5, 2021

“I deeply regret that this is the case, but have decided that it is best for both myself and the province to resign my position and focus on my personal health and wellness,” Dreeshen added.

Dreeshen was named in a recent lawsuit filed against the premier’s office by former staffer Ariella Kimmel which alleged heavy drinking in the legislature.

RELATED:Former UCP staffer files lawsuit against premier’s office, alleges sexual harassment, heavy drinking

The lawsuit says that in January 2021, an anonymous Twitter account released details of a past romantic relationship between Kimmel and Dreeshen.

The lawsuit also accuses the premier’s office of failing to support Kimmel in October 2020, following an encounter with Dreeshen.

The document alleges that Dreeshen was drinking in a legislature office and, when Kimmel implored him to cut back, he later yelled at her to the point that she was in tears.

These allegations have yet to be proven in court.

Earlier this week, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was asked about the allegations against Dreeshen, in which the premier responded by saying he was not aware of any allegations.

Premier Kenney was asked about allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Dreeshen earlier this week.

He responded by saying he was unaware of any harassment allegations against Dreeshen. https://t.co/eLOmMxJ5Ze

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) November 5, 2021

On Friday, during the province’s announcement on the future of hydrogen in Alberta, Kenney announced that Nate Horner, the associate minister in charge of rural economic development, would replace Dreeshen.

While Dreehsen steps out of his role as Agriculture and Forestry Minister, he remains as MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake.

Kenney was asked if he had ever had drinks with Dreeshen in the legislature during his time as minister, in which Kenney said it happened just once during a social function.

When asked why it took a public airing of the allegations for the government to take action, Kenney largely steered around the question, only echoing what Dreeshen had said in his statement and saying he is looking forward to working with Horner.