Jason Kenney Hired as Senior Advisor for Law Firm Bennett Jones

Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney speaks in response to the results of the United Conservative Party leadership review in Calgary on May 18, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Dave Chidley)

Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney has been hired by Bennett Jones as a senior advisor, the law firm said in a news release on Feb. 1.

Kenney confirmed the new job in a Twitter post on Feb. 1, stating he was “very happy” to join the public policy group at the law firm, which he said, “has deep Alberta roots and a major national presence.”

“I look forward to working with a distinguished group of former elected officials and public servants,” Kenney said.

He added that his new employment endeavour was reviewed by Alberta’s ethics commissioner, and was found to be compliant with the Conflict of Interest Act.

Kenney resigned from his position as MLA for Calgary-Lougheed on Nov. 29, 2022, and resigned as premier in May 2022 after receiving a slim majority vote, 51.4 percent, by United Conservative Party members.

He tweeted that he will “not be engaged in lobbying the Alberta government or its agencies.”

Kenney will be working for the firm’s Calgary office. In a follow-up tweet on Feb. 1, Kenney also said in the coming weeks he would “look forward to taking on other exciting opportunities in the private sector.”

“I will only accept positions following review by the Ethics Commissioner, and in careful compliance with the relevant statutes and guidelines,” he wrote.

Bennett Jones has a staff of 500 which includes lawyers and business advisors. The firm handles complex transactions and litigation matters, and advises businesses and investors. The firm has employed a number of high-profile former politicians, judges, and public figures over the years.