“I am 12-0!” Kenney said in a speech Saturday before applauding, applauding, screaming and waving placards at Red Deer. “I know one or two things about winning the election.”
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The talk in the party officially began what has turned into a spasmodic, tough internal party struggle to determine whether Kenny will remain leader of the United Conservatives. Kenney has been embroiled in controversy with some members of the party and the parliamentary group for more than a year, and has made it clear in his speech that this vote must end the controversy one way or another. The story goes on under the ad “If the members decide they want to have leadership elections, I will step aside,” he said. 5:05 “Rhetoric was over the top”: Political scientist Duane Bratt on Kenney’s speech to UCP members “The rhetoric was over the top”: Political scientist Duane Bratt on Kenney’s speech to UCP members “But if the members decide that they want to choose the path of unity and stability, then I, and I believe all our members, will expect every member of our parliamentary group and our group to respect the decision.” Ballots will be sent to nearly 60,000 party members this weekend. They must be returned by May 11, with the results announced on May 18. If Kenney receives less than 50 percent plus one of the votes, a leadership race must be announced.
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The story goes on under the ad Critics of Kenney say his policies, combined with an imposing, controlled management style, have alienated supporters and led to a drop in popularity to the point where the party could lose the next election to Rachel Notley’s opposition NDP. Kenney has labeled his opponents racial and religious bigots who want to break up his conservative coalition with a big stage. In his speech, he said that the decisions he had to make during COVID-19, especially the restrictions on personal freedoms, ignited the barrage of anger against him. 2:02 Alberta’s Jason Kenney urges UCP to support him otherwise he would risk losing the NDP election Alberta’s Jason Kenney urges UCP to support him otherwise he risks losing the NDP election “I ask for your forgiveness if there were any decisions we made that you think were wrong or that offended you,” he said. Trending Stories
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At a rally in Calgary for an NDP candidate, Notley noted that Kenney’s speech did not mention the 4,104 Alberta families who died of COVID-19, health workers, teachers or small business owners who fought during of the pandemic. The story goes on under the ad “Instead, he talked about himself and a little about me,” he said. “But you know what? I do not think that is what the Alberts want to hear. “Strangely, I guess I should be honored to be the only Albertan outside of the UCP they are talking about.” But Kenney said now is not the time to fight the previous battles with the next provincial elections just around the corner, in May 2023. Kenney reminded them that he quit his job as a Conservative MP to unite the Conservative Conservatives under the new UCP in 2017 and then defeat the NDP in the 2019 election.
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He described the 2019 campaign as a mission to stop “left-wing ideologues who want to turn Alberta into some kind of socialist laboratory experiment” with an agenda that he said had pulverized the economy, evaporated jobs and sent thousands fleeing. “I decided something had to be done,” Kenney said. “I knew that if (the NDP) took a second consecutive term, they would fundamentally change this province forever. “We would lose this province as a beacon of hope. 4:29 Extensive audio of Premier Jason Kenney’s covertly recorded meeting with UCP parliamentary staff Extensive audio of Premier Jason Kenney’s covertly recorded meeting with UCP parliamentary staff – March 25, 2022 “They would banish their toxic ideas from our schools, regulate and unite in what moves, crush businesses with their class war-mongering policy, and turn Alberta into a vassal state for (Prime Minister) Justin Trinto Ottawa. “ The story goes on under the ad The question on the ballot paper is simple: “Do you approve of the current leader?” Yes or No.” But the process was cumbersome as disgruntled party members fought to get a ballot and have their say.
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It is supposed to be before 2022. Then, it is supposed to be late in 2022 before a one-day, face-to-face vote on Saturday at the Red Deer. But less than three weeks ago, after the expiration date of his membership, the UCP board changed it to a mail-in contest across the province. The board said widespread interest – with 15,000 party members expected to travel to the polls – made it impossible to make a personal choice one day. 1:46 Brian Jean was sworn in at the Alberta Parliament Brian Jean was sworn in at the Alberta Parliament Opponents, including UCP parliamentary group member and Kenney’s opponent Brian Jean, said they were concerned the goalposts had been moved to expand the voting base because it had become clear that Kenney would lose the race in person at Red Deer. The story goes on under the ad Jean, in a statement, said: “Kenney’s rhetoric and approach have divided our party. The Prime Minister gave a speech saying that the choice is between more than himself or Rachel Notley’s NDP. “You know someone loses when they resort to fear.”
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Political scientist Duane Bratt, of Mount Royal University in Calgary, said Kenney’s demand for unity if he wins is easier said than done, especially if he receives a small majority. “Wait (non-voters) to say, ‘You won, we lost, so we will work very hard for you and volunteer for you and donate money to you and run as candidates for you?’ ‘ Or maybe they just say, “We’re leaving.” “Regardless of the result, I do not know how this party remains united.” –With files from Adam Toy, Global News © 2022 The Canadian Press
