Travis Toews announces run for UCP leadership

Jun 1, 2022 | 9:53 AM

BEAVERLODGE, AB – Alongside family and friends, Travis Toews announced on May 31, 2022, that he will be seeking the leadership of the United Conservative Party (UCP).

Toews resigned as Alberta’s finance minister the same day he launched his leadership campaign.

“I am inspired by our movement, which is why I ran in 2019, and I believe that Albertans and our members can be inspired again,” said Toews. “I’m running to lead our party back to the foundations that united us. It’s time to lay aside our differences to focus on our shared vision – a hopeful future for our children and grandchildren, on the foundation of a free and prosperous Alberta.”

Former Wildrose Party leaders Brian Jean and Danielle Smith have both said they will run for Kenney’s job, but are not officially in the race yet. The party is working out the logistics of when it will vote on a replacement for Jason Kenney.

Toews is a self-described businessman, community advocate, and family man. He said he is inspired by the UCP’s focus on defending the freedom, opportunity, and prosperity of Alberta.

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After a career spanning nearly two decades as a CPA and CMA in a public accounting firm, Toews and his wife built and managed a family cattle ranching business and an environmental services company in Northern Alberta. A campaign spokesperson says he has dedicated considerable time to provincial and national industry boards, including being elected in 2010 as the President of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.

In 2019, Toews was elected as the MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti. He recently served as Alberta’s President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Finance.

A campaign spokesperson says Toews looks forward to connecting with Albertans from across the province to discuss the values that matter to them and what they expect from their leaders.

“We must lead with strength and humility and return to the values that define us. We must take time to listen – to our members and to all Albertans, and we must learn from our missteps,” added Toews. “We are better together, stronger in our diversity and in our unity.”

(With files from The Canadian Press)

by RD News Now / Canadian Press