UCP announces leadership rules

As the leadership race heats up with six declared candidates and one more expected today, the United Conservative Party (UCP) have issued the rules for the race. The party has announced that a new leader will be announced on October 6, 2022. The new UCP leader will become Alberta’s premier-designate:

Members may either vote by mail-in ballot or vote in person at 5 polling locations throughout Alberta. Mail-in ballots must be received by October 3rd and in-person voting will take place on October 6th.

Declared candidates include:

– Brian Jean (UCP MLA, Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche)
– Danielle Smith (former MLA, UCP candidate in Livingstone-McLeod)
– Travis Toews (UCP MLA, Grande Prairie-Wapiti & former Minister of Finance)
– Todd Loewen (Independent MLA) Central Peace-Notley
– Rajan Sawhney (UCP MLA, Calgary-North East)
– Leela Aheer (UCP MLA, Chestermere-Rocky View)

Their candidacies do not become official until they meet the requirements – complete a candidate questionnaire, submit their first installment of the $150,000 fee, and receive 1000 signatures for their nomination from across the province.

Other candidates expected to enter the race include:
– Rebecca Schulz (UCP MLA, Calgary-Shaw and Minister of Children’s Services) – expected to announce today.
– Michelle Rempel Garner (Federal CPC MP, Calgary Nose Hill) is also rumoured to enter the race.

The impact on government will be felt. Cabinet ministers that enter the race will be required to resign their ministry. As a result, the government will be required to fill void ministries.

Premier Jason Kenney continues to push forward with his priorities, although his public profile is decidedly reduced during this period. He appears to be maintaining an active role on key priorities of the province – having all but eliminated the few remaining Covid restrictions this week, and keeping a close eye on economic developments.