The special general assembly of the United Conservative Party – whose sole purpose is to review the Kenneth leadership – was convened on Saturday morning. In his speech to party members, Kenney offered two avenues forward: division or unity. The first, he said, would erode the UCP and result in the opposition NDP forming a government after next year’s provincial elections. “I ask you not to compare me with the Almighty, but with the alternative,” he said, referring to NDP leader Rachel Notley. Kenney gets into an unpopular figure at the weekend, largely because of frustration with the decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic and his leadership style. Recent polls by the Angus Reid Institute show that Alberta’s prime minister has only one Approval 30 percent rating and higher disapproval from the NDP. Brian Jean, Fort McMurray-Lac la Biche UCP MLA, has spoken candidly about taking over the party. Danielle Smith, who is running for the UCP for Livingstone-Macleod riding, has also expressed a desire to run for party leadership. Kenney, who appears here during his speech on April 9, enters the special general assembly with low ratings. (CBC)
But on Saturday, Kenney tried to convince party members that he was the one who could keep the party united, lead it to prosperity and keep the “Socialists” out of power. The Prime Minister widely defended the decisions taken during the pandemic, expressing only some regrets. He also praised his achievements, such as balancing this year’s provincial budget. Kenney concluded his speech by saying that the Conservatives’ union in Alberta requires “constant effort” and that it is much easier to criticize than to lead during historical crises.

Conservative alternatives exist

Laurie Williams, an associate professor of political science at Mount Royal University, said Kenney’s speech – in which he suggested the NDP and the federal liberal government were a “major threat” – went as expected. He noted, however, that Kenney’s claim that the Conservatives were the only option available to them was short-sighted, as opinion polls suggest that Brian Jean would do better than Notley in the election. “Today’s speech was trying to persuade Alberts to look to the future, not the past, and that this is the key to the future unlike anyone else,” Williams said. “But this alternative is not necessarily Rachel Notley. It could very well be Brian Jean. That could be the key to UCP success and it could be a more attractive alternative to UCP.” Brian Jean, UCP MLA of Fort McMurray-Lac la Biche, has expressed a desire to take over as party leader. (Jamie Malbeuf / CBC)
Lisa Young, a professor of political science at the University of Calgary, agrees. But Yang also noted that the prime minister has taken the time to recite his CV, such as serving as federal minister. “These qualifications would certainly be elements we would expect to hear if he were a candidate for the party leadership, but not necessarily to retain leadership,” Yang said. In a statement to CBC News, Jean accused Kenney of splitting the party and said Kenney’s speech was driven by fear, leaving his choice “more than the same” or the NDP. The UCP should be more than one person, Jean said in a statement sent via email.

Respecting the results

Some criticized the mail-order voting system that would be used to vote for Kenney’s leadership before the review. Ballots will be sent to party members. They are expected until 17:00 on May 11 and the results will be announced on May 18. Before presenting the stage premiere on Saturday, Cynthia Moore, president of the UCP, stressed that the mail system is “the most democratic way to conduct this vote.” “There are some who, if they do not get the desired result, will say that this is a flawed process,” Moore said. “Nothing could be further from the truth.” The RCMP continues to investigate allegations of fraud and identity theft related to the 2017 vote. Kenney said Saturday that he would respect the results of the vote – and expects others to do the same. “If the members decide they want to have leadership elections, I will step aside,” he said. “I believe that all our members will expect every member of our parliamentary group and our group to respect the decision of the members that was democratically expressed in this revision vote.” To Young, it was Kenney who spoke directly to his potential rivals – especially Brian Jean. “If I win, I expect you to be a loyal, quiet member of my parliamentary group. Otherwise, you are out,” he said. “Now he has drawn his line in the sand.”