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The provincial government’s bill to create a protest-free zone around abortion clinics is a political game that doesn’t deserve a vote, says United Conservative Party Leader Jason Kenney.

Kenney, a vocal abortion opponent, told reporters on his way into the legislature Monday he will abstain from voting on the legislation, and most of his caucus will follow his lead.

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Kenney said the NDP didn’t campaign on the rule change, and it is only being introduced now as a “transparent distraction tactic.”

“We’re not going to play games with divisive social issues. We’re here to focus on job creation, economic growth and market access for our energy products,” he said.

Health Minister Sarah Hoffman slammed Kenney for not defending a woman’s right to peace as she walks to a doctor’s appointment.

A government has fiscal, social, economic and ethical responsibilities, Hoffman said, “and this is us meeting those responsibilities to these women.”