The Alberta politician who was removed from the United Conservative Party caucus after comparing transgender children to feces has been voted back in.

Jennifer Johnson, the MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka, says she grew “personally and professionally” in the 17 months since being removed from caucus.

“Now, I am eager to apply what I have learned to benefit everyone who calls this province home,” Johnson said in a news release.

The MLA was kicked out last year after a 2022 recording surfaced of her comparing transgender youth to a batch of cookies laced with “a little bit of poop.” She has been sitting as an independent since then.

Premier Danielle Smith said at the time Johnson was not welcome back in the UCP, but later said Johnson could come back if she did work to educate herself on the issue.

“Prior to being elected, I used an inappropriate analogy discussing education policy surrounding trans youth. And for that, I sincerely apologize,” Johnson says in a video posted to the UCP’s social media pages. “I want all children working through gender identity issues to know that you are cared for, valued and respected.”