UCP leadership candidates took part in the first debate on July 27, 2022, in Medicine Hat. (Image: Canadian Press)

By David Opinko / with files from The Canadian Press

UCP to choose new leader, Alberta Premier Thursday

Oct 5, 2022 | 2:08 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Members of Alberta’s governing United Conservative Party (UCP) are set to pick a new leader and premier to replace Jason Kenney.

On Thursday, October 6, 2022, there will be in-person voting stations set up at five locations in various regions. UCP members in Southern Alberta can go to the Heritage Inn in Taber from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The winner will be announced in Calgary at approximately 5:30 p.m.

There are about 124,000 eligible voters, and many have already cast their ballots by mail.

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Former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith is the perceived front-runner.

The other candidates include Leela Aheer, Todd Loewen, Rebecca Schulz, Rajan Sawhney, Brian Jean, and Travis Toews.

Political observers and pollsters say whoever wins needs to start talking about things that are top of mind for Albertans.

The leadership debate has been dominated by ways the province can assert greater independence from the federal government.

Pollster Janet Brown and political scientist Lori Williams say Albertans are more concerned about inflation and long waits for health care and jammed hospital emergency wards.

On May 18, 2022, Premier Jason Kenney announced his resignation as UCP leader following a leadership review vote. While Kenney did secure a slight majority of party member votes at 51.4%, he said it does not constitute a clear mandate, and that Albertans deserve a leader who can truly unite the province.

READ MORE: Jason Kenney resigns as UCP leader

(The Canadian Press)