SPRINGBROOK - Newly elected Alberta Progressive Conservative leader Jason Kenney has taken his Unite the Right pitch to Springbrook.
Kenney was invited to speak to area residents at the Springbrook Multiplex on April 1 by a local grassroots organization called the Central Alberta Regional Group.
Among other topics, Kenney discussed and fielded questions about the need for a unified conservative party.
"This is yet more proof that there's broad grassroots support for unity," said Kenney, pointing out both PC and Wildrose supporters in attendance Saturday. "This is a very encouraging sign."
More than 100 people from across Alberta came to hear Kenney speak about his plans to unite the right and show their support for the dialogue that is beginning to take shape.
Kenney himself has been sharing his ideas about uniting the right for several months.
"Brian (Jean) and I have each appointed groups of five representatives to discuss a framework agreement on uniting the parties, which would then be put to the grassroots membership of both the PC and Wildrose for their consideration and possible ratification," explained Kenney, adding he would like to see the Conservative Party of Canada's merger agreement from 2003 used as a model for unification.
Innisfail-Sylvan Lake Wildrose MLA Don McIntyre was one of several MLAs in attendance for the Springbrook meeting.
"I am a solid Brian Jean supporter. I am a Wildrose to the core but I realize we have a province that needs to be saved," said McIntyre. "We as a group, our constituency association, has been working towards consolidating conservatives for about the last two years.
"All of the town halls that Brian Jean has been holding have been as well attended as this. There is a real hunger out there amongst Albertans in general," he added.
Kenney noted the legalities of forming the possible merger have yet to be determined, but will put his focus first on completing the agreement at hand.
"Then we'll have a debate across the province and I expect we'll have dozens of town halls like this where Brian and I and others will have a chance to brief people on the agreement," he said. "People can ask us questions and then decide whether to vote for or against it."
"Let's part the egos, put the province first, get beyond the labels and let's unite. That's my focus," said Kenney.
Jason Kenney, Alberta's new Progressive Conservative leader
"Let's part the egos, put the province first, get beyond the labels and let's unite."
