UCP members gather for leadership vote

Will Alberta’s premier resign this weekend? It’s not likely, but it is possible as thousands gather in Red Deer to, among other things, vote on the job Danielle Smith is doing.

More than 5,000 people are expected at Westerner Park for the UCP AGM.

The 2-day gathering is headlined by that leadership vote, Smith’s first since taking over the party about 2 years ago.

“Well, the number I’m most excited about is to see if we break 6,000 people coming to what will be I think the highest attended political event not only in Alberta but in the entire country. I think our members are enthusiastic,” Smith said.

The last UCP leadership vote in May 2022 ended with Jason Kenney resigning as UCP leader and premier.

He received 51.4 per cent approval and could have stayed on, but decided not to.

So how much does Smith need to keep her job? This week she would only say her goal is more than last time, meaning the 54 per cent she received on the final ballot to win the UCP leadership.

“If she gets 80 per cent, everybody moves on, and nobody says anything. If she gets 70 per cent, ok, can you manage the 30 per cent that didn’t like you? If she gets below that, well now we’re really having a conversation about what level of support can she carry forward and try to keep the tent together,” said Tom Vernon of Crestview Strategy.

UCP members will also vote on 20 governance and 35 policy resolutions this weekend.

Those ideas include allowing teachers to opt out of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, spending more on wildfire prevention and firefighting, and banning unions from donating to political parties.

“I think she’ll win. I dunno about the number, but I think she’ll win,” said UCP member Sherry Butler.

“I think she’s doing a great job, and I’m really disappointed that they’re doing this because we got enough to worry about,” said member Sandy Shippelt.

There are also more controversial proposals, such as recognizing only two sexes, ruling transgender procedures “cosmetic” and unfunded by taxpayers, and declaring CO2 is a nutrient and not a pollutant.

“I’m on the board there for Calgary Acadia, and I know we’re 100 per cent behind her,” said Garry Hennan, UCP member

Leadership voting is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and results are expected around 5 p.m. Members have to be here to vote, tickets are still available but they’re $400 for adults.