With United Conservative Party (UCP) members meeting in Red Deer this weekend for the party’s founding annual general meeting, the stakes for the party couldn’t be higher.
The gathering will see members decide the direction of the party in terms of overall policies, which will guide the party in the run-up to the 2019 provincial election.
Whether those policies will resonate with voters remains to be seen. What is known is that missteps at this critical juncture in the party’s progression could cost the party dearly.
For his part, UCP Leader Jason Kenney says the convention is a great opportunity for the party to move forward in its quest to form government next year.
“Conservatives from across Alberta will be gathering in Red Deer to help set the blueprint for helping get Alberta back on track, as we begin the hard work of renewing the Alberta advantage and getting our wonderful province back on track,” said Kenney.
The founding principles of the UCP were laid down a year ago during the joining of the Wildrose and Progressive Conservative Parties.
Those principles state, in part, that the party will be guided by “the rule of law, equality of all before the law, and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of all.”
While no one is likely to argue with policies that uphold the rule of law, it is in the area of social matters that the party could find some difficulties.
Whether leader Kenney can bring the various conservative and progressive elements in his new party together on divisive issues, such as abortion rights, remains an open question.
As UCP members come together this week, Kenney will no doubt be hoping for a trouble-free outcome, allowing him to lead a united and invigorated party forward against the incumbent NDP.
Of course, Premier Rachel Notley and her allies will be watching the UCP gathering with great interest, hoping for missteps and ready to turn them into political ammunition for the upcoming battles.
- Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor
