United Conservative Party leadership election, 2017
2017 United Conservative Party leadership election Date October 28, 2017 Convention BMO Centre Calgary, Alberta Won by Jason Kenney Ballots 1 Candidates 3 Entrance Fee C$ 95,000 ($20,000 of which is a refundable compliance bond)[1]
Wildrose Party leadership elections
United Conservative Party leadership elections
A United Conservative Party leadership election was held in Alberta on October 28, 2017 following votes on July 22, 2017 by memberships of both the Wildrose Party and the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta to merge and form the United Conservative Party . The Unity Agreement between the parties states that the leadership election will be held on a One Member One Vote basis.[2]
Both Jason Kenney , leader of the PC Party, and Wildrose leader Brian Jean were expected to stand for leader of the new party, with Jean saying at the press conference that announced the merger agreement: "Clearly we're both running for the leadership of this new party."[3] Former Conservative Party of Canada interim leader Rona Ambrose ruled herself out of consideration.[4]
Timeline March 18, 2017 - Jason Kenney , former federal cabinet minister , is elected PC leader on a platform of joining with the Wildrose to form a united right-of-centre party.
May 18, 2017 - PC leader Jason Kenney and Wildrose leader Brian Jean announce that merger referenda will be held in their parties on July 22, 2017. If they pass, with thresholds of 50%+1 of PC members and 75% of Wildrose members, the parties will begin the process of merging into the United Conservative Party , or UCP.[5]
June 1, 2017 - Doug Schweitzer declares his candidacy.[3]
July 22, 2017 - The PC and Wildrose parties hold unity referenda on the question of merging into the United Conservative Party . Both parties approve the merger with 95% support.[6] Brian Jean declares his candidacy.[7]
July 29, 2017 - Jason Kenney declares his candidacy.
August 10, 2017 - Jeff Callaway declares his candidacy.
September 12, 2017 - Nomination period officially closes at 5pm MT (UTC−6 ). Half of entrance fee is due.[8] [9]
September 20, 2017 - Leadership debate held in Calgary .[10]
September 28, 2017 - Leadership debate held in Edmonton .[11]
September 29, 2017 - Membership sales end at 5 pm MT (UTC−6 ).[8]
October 3, 2017 - Leadership debate held in Red Deer .[12]
October 4, 2017 - Jeff Callaway withdraws his candidacy.
October 5, 2017 - Balance of entrance fee is due.[9]
October 12, 2017 - Leadership debate held in Fort McMurray .[12]
October 13, 2017, 5 pm MT (UTC−6 ) - Deadline for members to register to vote using photo ID as proof of identity.[12]
October 17, 2017 - Leadership debate held in Lethbridge .[12]
October 26, 2017, 9 am MT (UTC−6 ) - Voting begins via online and telephone balloting.[12]
October 28, 2017, 5 pm MT (UTC−6 ) - Voting ends. Results announced at the BMO Centre in Calgary shortly after the close of voting.[12]
Declared candidates Background Brian Jean, 54, was the final Leader of the Wildrose Party (2015–2017). Jean is currently the MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin (2015–present). He served as MP for Athabasca (2004–2006) and Fort McMurray—Athabasca (2006–2014), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2006–2011), and Leader of the Official Opposition in Alberta (2015–2017). Jean was elected Wildrose leader after previous leader Danielle Smith and eight other Wildrose MLAs crossed the floor to join the PC government of then-Premier Jim Prentice .
Date candidacy declared : July 22, 2017[7]
Campaign website : brianjean.ca
Amount of deposit paid : Full[9]
Supporters
MLAs : (11) Leela Aheer (Chestermere-Rocky View ),[13] Wayne Anderson (Highwood ),[14] Dave Hanson (Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills ),[15] Todd Loewen (Grande Prairie-Smoky ),[16] Don MacIntyre (Innisfail-Sylvan Lake ),[16] Angela Pitt (Airdrie ),[17] Ron Orr (Lacombe-Ponoka ),[16] Dave Schneider (Little Bow ),[14] Pat Stier (Livingstone-Macleod ),[14] Glenn van Dijken (Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock ),[16] Tany Yao (Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo )[16]
Federal politicians : (1) Blaine Calkins (MP for Red Deer—Lacombe )[18]
Municipal politicians : (6) Omer Moghrabi (Lac La Biche County Mayor),[19] Fred Nash (Rocky Mountain House Mayor),[20] Arnold Romaniuk (Two Hills Mayor),[20] Steve Upham (County of St. Paul No. 19 Reeve),[20] Angie Warwick (Prairie Land School Division Trustee for Hanna ),[20] Chris Warwick (Hanna Mayor)[20]
Former MLAs :
Former federal politicians : (1) Myron Thompson (MP for Wild Rose , 1993–2008)[20]
Other prominent supporters : (4) Theo Fleury (Former professional ice hockey player),[21] Rod Hay (8-time Canadian Rodeo champion),[20] Tim Moen (Leader of the Libertarian Party of Canada ),[20] David Yager (President of the Wildrose Party , 2012–2014)[20]
Organizations :
Media:
Policies Kenney in 2014 Background Jason Kenney, 49, was the final Leader of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta (2017). He served as MP for Calgary Southeast (1997–2015) and Calgary Midnapore (2015–2016), and was Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (2008–2013), Minister of Employment and Social Development (2013–2015), Minister of Multiculturalism and Citizenship (2013–2015), and Minister of National Defence (2015) under the Harper government. Kenney was elected PC leader on a promise to merge the PC and Wildrose parties.
Date candidacy declared : July 29, 2017[22]
Campaign website : jasonkenney.ca
Amount of deposit paid : Full[9]
Supporters
MLAs : (10) Drew Barnes (Cypress-Medicine Hat ),[23] Scott Cyr (Bonnyville-Cold Lake )[24] Prab Gill (Calgary-Greenway ),[25] Grant Hunter (Cardston-Taber-Warner ),[26] Ric McIver (Calgary-Hays ),[27] Jason Nixon (Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre ),[27] Prasad Panda (Calgary-Foothills )[25] Dave Rodney (Calgary-Lougheed ),[25] Mark Smith (Drayton Valley-Devon ),[28] Rick Strankman (Drumheller-Stettler )[29]
Federal politicians : (23) John Barlow (MP for Foothills ),[30] Bob Benzen (MP for Calgary Heritage ),[30] Michael Cooper (MP for St. Albert—Edmonton ),[18] Kerry Diotte (MP for Edmonton Griesbach ),[31] Earl Dreeshen (MP for Red Deer—Mountain View ),[32] Jim Eglinski (MP for Yellowhead ),[18] Garnett Genuis (MP for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan ),[18] Rachael Harder (MP for Lethbridge ),[30] Matt Jeneroux (MP for Edmonton Riverbend ),[18] Pat Kelly (MP for Calgary Rocky Ridge ),[30] Tom Kmiec (MP for Calgary Shepard ),[33] Ron Liepert (MP for Calgary Signal Hill ),[18] Dane Lloyd (MP for Sturgeon River—Parkland ),[30] Kelly McCauley (MP for Edmonton West ),[30] Glen Motz (Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner ),[30] Deepak Obhrai (MP for Calgary Forest Lawn ),[30] Michelle Rempel (MP for Calgary Nose Hill ),[30] Blake Richards (MP for Banff—Airdrie ),[30] Martin Shields (MP for Bow River ),[30] Kevin Sorenson (MP for Battle River—Crowfoot ),[34] Shannon Stubbs (MP for Lakeland ),[30] Arnold Viersen (MP for Peace River—Westlock ),[35] Chris Warkentin (MP for Grande Prairie—Mackenzie )[30]
Municipal politicians : (3) Craig Copeland (City of Cold Lake Mayor),[36] Maggie Croenen (Town of Cardston Mayor),[37] Andrew Prokop (Town of Taber Councillor and Interim Mayor)[38]
Former MLAs : (11) Jack Ady (Cardston-Chief Mountain , 1986–1997),[39] David Dorward (Edmonton-Gold Bar , 2012–2015),[40] Jonathan Denis (Calgary-Egmont , 2008–2012; Calgary-Acadia , 2012–2015),[41] Denis Ducharme (Bonnyville-Cold Lake , 1997–2008),[24] Heather Forsyth (Calgary-Fish Creek , 1993–2015),[42] Paul Hinman (Calgary-Glenmore , 2009–2012; Cardston-Taber-Warner , 2004–2008),[43] Genia Leskiw (Bonnyville-Cold Lake , 2008–2015),[24] Jason Luan (Calgary-Hawkwood , 2012–2015),[44] Ty Lund (Rocky Mountain House , 1989–2012),[45] Marvin Moore (Smoky River , 1971–1989),[46] Shayne Saskiw (Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills , 2012–2015)[24]
Former federal politicians : (1) Rona Ambrose (MP for Sturgeon River—Parkland )[47]
Other prominent supporters : (2) Jeff Callaway (President of the Wildrose Party , 2008–2010; 2014–2017),[48] Candice Malcolm (Calgary Sun Columnist)[49]
Organizations :
Media:
Policies
Doug Schweitzer Schweitzer in 2017 Background Doug Schweitzer, 38, is a Calgary lawyer and longtime PC party member. He served as CEO of the Manitoba PC Party (2008–2009) and campaign manager of Jim Prentice 's successful PC leadership campaign in 2014 .[50]
Date candidacy declared : June 1, 2017[50]
Campaign website : dougschweitzer.com
Amount of deposit paid : Full[48]
Supporters
MLAs : (1) Wayne Drysdale (Grande Prairie-Wapiti )[51]
Federal politicians :
Municipal politicians :
Former MLAs : (1) Peter Elzinga (Sherwood Park , 1986–1993)[52]
Former federal politicians : (1) Jay Hill (Prince George—Peace River , 1993–2010)[53]
Other prominent supporters : (2) Kevin O’Leary (Businessman and television personality),[54] Chris Warren (President of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta , 1998; 2002–2004)[55]
Organizations :
Media:
Policies Calls for massive cuts to Alberta's corporate and personal income tax rates, including replacing progressive income tax with a flat tax of 10% for those making more than $100,000 a year and 9% for those making less than that amount.
Advocates the elimination of the province's carbon levy . Proposes cutting salaries of public sector workers across the board by 3% for those making less than $120,000 a year and by 6% for those making more than that.
Calls himself a moderate on social issues.[56]
Says most Albertans are "socially moderate" and that issues such as "gay-straight alliances," "diversity," and inclusion of women are non-partisan issues.[3]
Withdrawn candidates
Jeff Callaway Background Jeff Callaway, 40, was formerly President of the Wildrose Party (2008–2010; 2014–2017) and 2015 Wildrose candidate for Calgary-North West . He is currently a Calgary-based senior investment advisor.[41]
Date candidacy declared : August 10, 2017[57]
Date withdrawn : October 4, 2017[48]
Subsequently endorsed : Jason Kenney [48]
Declined Leela Aheer , MLA for Chestermere-Rocky View (2015–present).[58] Endorsed Jean.[13]
Rona Ambrose , Interim Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition (2015–2017), MP for Edmonton—Spruce Grove (2004–2015) and Sturgeon River—Parkland (2015–2017), Minister of the Environment (2006–2007), Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (2007–2008), Minister of Labour (2008–2010), Minister of Public Works and Government Services (2010–2013), and Minister of Health (2013–2015).[4]
Jonathan Denis , MLA for Calgary-Egmont (2008–2012) and Calgary-Acadia (2012–2015), Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (2010–2011), Solicitor General, Attorney General, and Minister of Justice for Alberta (2012–2015).[41] Endorsed Kenney.[41]
Derek Fildebrandt , MLA for Strathmore-Brooks (2015–present) and Alberta Director and National Research Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (2009–2014).[59]
Paul Hinman , Leader of the Alberta Alliance (2005–2008) and the Wildrose Alliance (2008–2009) and MLA for Cardston-Taber-Warner (2004–2008) and Calgary-Glenmore (2009–2012).[60] Announced interest in running but was unable to raise enough money to pay entrance fee.[9] Endorsed Kenney.[43]
Ric McIver , Interim Leader of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta (2015–2017), MLA for Calgary-Hays (2012–present), City of Calgary Alderman for Ward 12 (2001–2010), Minister of Transportation (2012–2013), Minister of Infrastructure (2013–2014), and Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour (2014–2015).[58] Endorsed Kenney.[27]
Results
Candidate
Votes
Percentage
Jason Kenney
35,623
61.2%
Brian Jean
18,336
31.5%
Doug Schweitzer
4,273
7.3%
Total
58,232
100%
See also
References
^ https://www.unitedconservative.ca/Content/UCP%202017%20Leadership%20Contest%20Rules.pdf
^ https://www.pcalberta.com/Content/UnityAgreementinPrinciple.pdf
^ a b c "Wannabe leader of United Conservative Party says he's tired of PCs not fighting for social issues" . CBC News . June 21, 2017. Retrieved June 24, 2017 .
^ a b "Rona Ambrose says proposed PC-Wildrose merger what Alberta needs" . CBC News. May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 19, 2017 .
^ Emma Graney (2017-05-18). "Wildrose-PC members to vote on new united party July 22" . Edmonton Journal. Retrieved 2017-08-24 .
^ Graney, Emma. "Wildrose, Progressive Conservative parties to merge with 95% approval" . Edmonton Journal . Retrieved July 22, 2017 .
^ a b "Wildrose and PC members approve unite-the-right deal with 95% voting Yes" . CBC News. 2017-07-22. Retrieved 2017-08-24 .
^ a b "Leadership Election Details" . United Conservative Party . September 1, 2017.
^ a b c d e http://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/four-ucp-leadership-candidates-pony-up-to-enter-the-race-one-doesnt
^ Meyer, Lucas (September 8, 2017). "First UCP leadership debate to be held in Calgary" . 660 News . Retrieved September 8, 2017 .
^ "Labour issues on tap at second United Conservative Party leadership debate" . The Canadian Press . September 27, 2017. Retrieved September 27, 2017 .
^ a b c d e f https://www.unitedconservative.ca/Leadership
^ a b Brian Jean [@BrianJeanWRP] (July 25, 2017). "Grateful to receive 3 endorsements from @WildroseLeela, Rick Doman and Bill Sembo today. #ableg #ucp" (Tweet ) – via Twitter .
^ a b c Wood, James (August 22, 2017). "Brian Jean picks up more MLA endorsements in UCP leadership race" . Edmonton Journal . Edmonton. Retrieved August 22, 2017 .
^ @BrianJeanAB (2017-08-04). "Thank you to my friend @dhansonwrp for your #ucp endorsement this morning. I'm so proud of the team we have been assembling across Alberta" (Tweet ). Retrieved 2017-08-24 – via Twitter .
^ a b c d e Brian Jean [@BrianJeanWRP] (July 26, 2017). "Humbled to receive the endorsements of my friends @dtloewen @Don_MacIntyre @TanyYao @GlennVanDijken & @RonOrrMLA #ableg #ucp" (Tweet ) – via Twitter .
^ Graney, Emma (July 23, 2017). "Thoughts turn to leadership after conservatives vote to unite" . Edmonton Journal . Edmonton, Alberta. Retrieved July 24, 2017 .
^ a b c d e f Mazereeuw, Peter (July 26, 2017). "Alberta Tory MPs lining up behind Kenney in provincial leadership race" . The Hill Times . Ottawa, Ontario. Retrieved July 26, 2017 .
^ @BrianJeanAB (2017-08-04). "Thanks to Lac La Biche Mayor Omer Moghrabi for his support in my bid to become #ucp leader. Our team is working hard to win over Albertans" (Tweet ). Retrieved 2017-08-24 – via Twitter .
^ a b c d e f g h i https://www.brianjean.ca/
^ James Wood (October 25, 2017). "Jean and Kenney unveil endorsements" . Calgary Herald . Retrieved October 25, 2017 .
^ White, Ryan (2017-07-29). "Jason Kenney declares intent to lead United Conservative Party" . CTV Calgary . Retrieved 2017-07-29 .
^ @DrewBarnesMLA (2017-08-02). "I'm grateful to be able to throw my support behind a true-blue conservative! Thx for your leadership and for getting us to this point! #ucp" (Tweet ). Retrieved 2017-08-24 – via Twitter .
^ a b c d https://twitter.com/jkenney/status/912461478187253760
^ a b c Logan, Shawn (September 20, 2017). "Trio of MLAs endorse Jason Kenney in UCP leadership bid" . Calgary Herald . Retrieved September 20, 2017 .
^ @jkenney (2017-08-02). "Honoured to receive the support of Cardston-Taber-Warner MLA Grant Hunter & dozens of local #UCP members at a whistlestop in #Cardston!" (Tweet ). Retrieved 2017-08-24 – via Twitter .
^ a b c Wood, James (September 13, 2017). " 'Endorsement' backfires on UCP leadership candidate Brian Jean" . Calgary Sun . Retrieved September 14, 2017 .
^ Jason Kenney [@jkenney] (August 5, 2017). "Grateful to receive the endorsement of Drayton Valley-Devon MLA Mark Smith. Great turnout in Drayton on 12 hours notice!" (Tweet ) – via Twitter .
^ @jkenney (2017-08-03). "Thank-you to veteran Drumheller-Stettler MLA & freedom-fighter Rick Strankman for his endorsement today!" (Tweet ). Retrieved 2017-08-24 – via Twitter .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m http://www.jasonkenney.ca/jason_kenney_receives_support_of_23_alberta_conservative_members_of_parliament
^ @KerryDiotte (2017-08-02). ".@jkenney's my pick for leader. He quit his job to make @UniteAlberta happen + succeeded. That's leadership #cdnpoli" (Tweet ). Retrieved 2017-08-24 – via Twitter .
^ https://twitter.com/jkenney/status/911653413171060736
^ Stone, Laura (July 29, 2017). "Federal Tories predict tough fight ahead for Kenney in Alberta UCP leadership race" . The Globe and Mail .
^ Jason Kenney [@jkenney] (August 20, 2017). "Wonderful time with fellow Conservatives at the farm of my friend Kevin Sorenson, Battle River-Crowfoot MP. Thanks to Kevin for his support!" (Tweet ) – via Twitter .
^ Taylor, Bryan (August 1, 2017). "Viersen Endorses Kenney for UCP Leadership" . Trending 55 Newsroom . Peace River, Alberta. Retrieved August 1, 2017 .
^ https://twitter.com/jkenney/status/912524810386731008
^ @jkenney (2017-08-02). "Delighted to have support of #Cardston's remarkable Mayor Maggie Croenen, Parisienne, graduate of @SciencesPo & French diplomat's daughter" (Tweet ). Retrieved 2017-08-24 – via Twitter .
^ @jkenney (2017-08-02). "Fun whistle stop in #Taber with MLA Grant Hunter. Great to have support of Mayor Andrew Prokop. Bonus: given a sack of corn by Johnson farms" (Tweet ). Retrieved 2017-08-24 – via Twitter .
^ Jason Kenney (2017-08-02). "Jason Kenney on Twitter: "Great to have the support of former MLA & Advanced Education Minister "Gentleman" Jack Ady, and his wife Darlene. Wonderful Albertans. https://t.co/d8GeAqXr8k" " . Twitter.com. Retrieved 2017-08-24 .
^ [1] [dead link ]
^ a b c d Corbella, Licia (August 5, 2017). "Corbella: UCP leadership battle one of quality" . Calgary Herald . Retrieved August 5, 2017 .
^ "Lorne Gunter: Jason Kenney gets ringing endorsement from conservative stalwart" .
^ a b https://twitter.com/jkenney/status/911713514401579008
^ Jason Kenney [@jkenney] (August 17, 2017). "Great event last night with some of our @UniteAlberta volunteers. Thanks to former MLA @jasonluan88 & so many others for their support!" (Tweet ) – via Twitter .
^ https://twitter.com/jkenney/status/911646629698035712
^ Galbraith, Curtis (August 14, 2017). "PC-Wildrose unification needed to happen, says Moore" . Q99 News . Grande Prairie, Alberta. Retrieved August 15, 2017 .
^ https://twitter.com/RonaAmbrose/status/923644582189043712
^ a b c d "Callaway pulls out of UCP leadership race, backs Kenney" .
^ https://twitter.com/jkenney/status/911341159049445377
^ a b "Calgary lawyer Doug Schweitzer declares he's in the running for leadership of UCP" . Calgary Herald. June 1, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2017 .
^ Hampson, Kevin (September 13, 2017). "Drysdale supports Schweitzer for UCP leadership" . Daily Herald-Tribune . Retrieved September 15, 2017 .
^ "Peter Elzinga joins Doug Schweitzer for Leader of UCP Team" . Dougschweitzer.com . Retrieved 27 July 2017 .
^ @doug_schweitzer (31 August 2017). "ICYMI - great to have endorsement former CPC and Reform MP Jay Hill. Fiscal plan is most conservative and innovative. #ableg #ucp #newblue" (Tweet ). Retrieved 31 August 2017 – via Twitter .
^ James Wood (October 20, 2017). "Five things about UCP leadership race" . The Calgary Herald . Retrieved October 23, 2017 .
^ @doug_schweitzer (2 August 2017). "Excited to have Former Pres Chris Warren join our #ucp campaign. He served during Klein years and one most respected Pres history. #ableg" (Tweet ). Retrieved 2 August 2017 – via Twitter .
^ James Wood (2017-07-03). "United Conservative Party leadership candidates pitch policies" . Calgary Herald. Retrieved 2017-08-24 .
^ "Former Wildrose president Jeff Callaway running for UCP Leader" .
^ a b Wood, James (July 9, 2017). "UCP leadership race heating up during Stampede" . Calgary Herald . Calgary, Alberta. Retrieved July 24, 2017 .
^ "Statement from Fildebrandt on UCP Leadership & Policy Development" . DerekFildebrandt.ca . August 8, 2017. Retrieved August 8, 2017 .
^ http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/edmonton/paul-hinman-ucp-leader-alberta-1.4284949