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By EverythingGP Staff

By Mar. 1, 2022

UCP constituency associations say threshold met for Kenney leadership review

Nov 15, 2021 | 11:53 AM

Nearly two dozen United Conservative Party constituency associations have passed a motion calling for a review of Premier Jason Kenney’s leadership before March 1.

The motion has been passed by 22 constituency associations, including Grande Prairie and Central Peace-Notley.

The associations have sent a letter calling on UCP president Ryan Becker to follow the party constitution and take appropriate steps for a review.

“Therefore, having attained at least 22 constituency associations (being over one quarter) necessary as set out in section 5.7 of the party bylaws, we have met the threshold to trigger a Special General Meeting for the purpose of conducting a leadership review. We expect that this process will be held in accordance with the aforementioned conditions endorsed by our boards,” reads the letter.

The request comes days before the party’s annual general meeting begins on Nov. 19.

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A leadership review is currently planned for April.

Kenney has been criticized by party members and some UCP MLAs for his decisions and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the fourth wave that took hold following Kenney’s Open for Summer pronouncement.

Criticisms have ranged from the premier having not acted quickly or strongly enough as hospitalizations rose to others saying measures such as the vaccine passport program are an infringement of people’s rights.

Central Peace-Notley Association president Samantha Steinke says concerns for her constituency include a lack of leadership and not standing up to Justin Trudeau.

“And while we’ve seen now a referendum passed and that is a step in the right direction, that was done by Albertans and asked for by Albertans. I look forward to seeing what the premier will do in regards to that referendum that was passed, but that was a huge concern for our board members.”

Steinke is referring to the vote held during the October 18 municipal elections where Albertans were asked if equalization should be removed from the Canadian constitution.

Steinke says the number of association boards calling for a review could go up.

“There are other constituency associations slated this week to discuss the same motion, so I think we could see it go even higher than 22.”

Steinke says March 1 was a compromise date as some associations wanted the review held right away while others wanted to wait until the end of next year.

The Grande Prairie UCP Constituency Association passed the same motion, as did the UCP association for Lesser Slave Lake.

(With files from CHAT News Today)