2022 United Conservative Party leadership election Provincial party election in Alberta, Canada
2022 United Conservative Party leadership election
2022 United Conservative Party leadership election Date October 6, 2022 Convention BMO Centre Resigning leader Jason Kenney Won by Danielle Smith Ballots 6 Candidates 7 Entrance Fee $150,000
Wildrose Party leadership elections
United Conservative Party leadership elections
The 2022 United Conservative Party leadership election was held on October 6 in Alberta to select a new leader of the United Conservative Party and Premier of Alberta . The leadership election was triggered following the May 18 leadership review in which the United Conservative Party membership voted 51.4 per cent in support of incumbent Premier Jason Kenney 's leadership. In Kenney's speech following the announcement of the results, Kenney issued his resignation as leader of the United Conservative Party. Nominations for leadership of the United Conservative Party closed on July 20, with seven candidates meeting the nomination criteria. Party members selected their preference for leader using instant-runoff voting between September 2 and October 3.
On October 6, the result were announced with former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith being elected as leader of the United Conservative Party, defeating all other candidates including former Minister of Finance Travis Toews after six ballot counts. A week later on October 11, Smith was sworn in as the 19th Premier of Alberta .
Background
In March 2017, former federal cabinet minister Jason Kenney was elected Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta leader on a platform of joining with the Wildrose Party to form a unified right-of-centre party. Two months later Kenney and Wildrose leader Brian Jean jointly announced that the question of a merger between parties would be posed to the membership of each party through a vote, which on July 22, 2017, was approved by the membership in both parties.
Following the merger approval a leadership contest was held with three candidates, Kenney, former Wildrose leader Jean, and attorney Doug Schweitzer . Kenney was elected leader of the newly formed United Conservative Party with a plurality of 61.2 per cent of the vote. The Kenney lead United Conservative Party swept into power in the April 2019 Alberta general election , capturing 63 of 87 seats in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta , forming a majority government , and defeating the incumbent Alberta New Democratic Party led by Rachel Notley . On April 30, 2019, Jason Kenney was sworn in as the 18th premier of Alberta.
2022 United Conservative Party leadership review
One year after the United Conservative Party was swept into power, the COVID-19 pandemic reached Alberta . Kenney's approval ratings amongst Albertans and members of the United Conservative Party began to slip following successive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier Angus Reid polling reports said that, "Albertans have grown increasingly critical" of Premier Kenney and the UCP "government's response to the coronavirus, and the province's finances are in historically poor shape with oil revenues plummeting and pandemic-related economic shocks persisting."[ 1] The June 2021 report said that "both sides" of Alberta's "political spectrum" have been angered by Kenney's response to the pandemic; they are critical of his approach to pandemic-related restrictions.[ 2] [ 3]
On September 17, 2021, Joel Mullan, United Conservative Party Vice President of policy, publicly called for the party board to consider initiating an early leadership review of Premier Kenney.[ 4] Later in September, the United Conservative Party board announced a leadership review would take place at the party's annual general meeting in April 2022, ahead of the previous plans for a leadership review to take place in fall 2022.[ 5] In March 2022, the United Conservative Party changed the format for the leadership review, moving to a mail-in ballot beginning in April, with results to be announced on May 18. The change in format was criticized by some party membership including Brian Jean .[ 6]
On May 18, 2022, after receiving support from 51.4 per cent of the United Conservative Party members, Kenney announced he would step down as leader of the United Conservative Party.[ 7] [ 8] The United Conservative Party caucus met on May 19, and caucus chair Nathan Neudorf affirmed that Kenney would remain as leader of the party until a new leader was elected.[ 9] Kenney subsequently informed the party secretary of his intention to resign as leader of the party after a new leader is elected.[ 9]
Leadership contest
The United Conservative Party leadership election process was conducted using instant-runoff voting , whereby voters may rank as many candidates as they desired and an individual is considered elected once they reached more than 50 per cent of the votes.[ 10] With the instant-runoff format, if no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote, the candidate with the lowest per cent of support is removed from the contest, and the removed candidate's ballots are redistributed to the remaining candidates as per the voter's next marked back-up preference.[ 10] Rick Orman , a former Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta Member of the Legislative Assembly, and unsuccessful leadership candidate in the 1992 Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta leadership election served as the returning officer , and announced the results of each ballot.[ 11]
Albertans were eligible to vote in the leadership election if they had purchased a party membership prior to August 12.[ 12] Mail-in voting opened on September 2 and continued until October 3.[ 12]
Some did not rank all the candidates. By the Sixth Count, about 6000 votes had become "exhausted". As exhausted votes accumulated, to win, the successful candidate had to merely acquire a majority of votes still in play, not majority of total valid votes cast in the First Count.
The total valid votes cast in the first round numbered 84,193. The majority required to win in the first round was 42,297. The lowest ranked candidate in each round was dropped, with their votes redistributed, until the sixth round when Smith's vote total exceeded 50% of votes still in play, which happened to be also more than half of votes cast in the 1st Count.
Timeline
May 18 - Party announces results of the 2022 UCP Special General Meeting with 51.4 per cent of party members voted in favour of Kenney staying on as leader. Kenney announces his intentions to resign.[ 13] [ 14] Brian Jean declares his candidacy.[ 15]
May 19 – UCP Caucus votes to allow Kenney to remain as leader until a new leader is elected by the party.[ 9] Danielle Smith declares her candidacy.[ 16]
May 31 – Travis Toews declares his candidacy.[ 17]
June 1 – Todd Loewen declares his candidacy.[ 18]
June 2 – Bill Rock declares his candidacy.[ 19]
June 7 – Leela Aheer declares her candidacy.[ 20]
June 13 – Rajan Sawhney declares her candidacy.[ 21]
June 14 – Rebecca Schulz declares her candidacy.[ 22]
June 28 – Jon Horsman declares his candidacy.
June 29 – Raj Sherman declares his candidacy.
July 20 – Candidate entry deadline.[ 23]
August 12 – Membership cut-off date.[ 23]
September 2 – Mail-in voting begins.[ 23]
October 3 – Deadline for mail-in ballots.[ 24]
October 6 – Results announced.[ 23]
Candidates
Approved
Background
Leela Aheer, 51, is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore (2019–present), former MLA for Chestermere-Rocky View (2015–2019) and Deputy Leader of the United Conservative Party (2017–2021). She is the former Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism & Status of Women (2019–2021).
Date candidacy declared : June 7[ 25]
Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta : June 13[ 26]
Date candidacy approved : July 22[ 27]
Campaign website: https://www.voteleela.ca/
Campaign slogan: Lead with Leela
Background
Brian Jean, 59, is the MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche (2022–present).[ 28] He was the final Leader of the Wildrose Party (2015–2017), Leader of the Opposition (2015–2017), MLA for Fort McMurray-Conklin (2015–2017), MP for Athabasca (2004–2006) and Fort McMurray—Athabasca (2006–2014), and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2006–2011).
Date candidacy declared : May 18[ 15]
Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta : May 31[ 26]
Date candidacy approved : July 19[ 29]
Campaign website: https://www.brianjean.ca/
Campaign slogan: Autonomy for Albertans
Endorsements of Brian Jean
MLAs: (2)
Former MLAs: (1)
Former federal politicians: (1)
Background
Todd Loewen, 55, is the independent MLA for Central Peace-Notley (2019–present) and former MLA for Grande Prairie-Smoky (2015-2019). He was expelled from the UCP in 2021 after criticizing the government response to COVID-19. He previously served as the UCP Caucus Chair (2019-2021).[ 36]
Date candidacy declared : June 1[ 37]
Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta : June 1[ 26]
Date candidacy approved : July 22[ 38]
Campaign website: https://www.toddloewen.com/
Campaign slogan: Your Alberta, Your Way[ 39]
Background
Rajan Sawhney is the MLA for Calgary-North East (2019–present) and Minister of Transportation (2021–present). She is the former Minister of Community and Social Services (2019–2021).
Date candidacy declared : June 13[ 21]
Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta : June 16[ 26]
Date candidacy approved : July 21[ 40]
Campaign website: https://www.rajansawhney.ca/
Campaign slogan: Forward
Endorsements of Rajan Sawhney
Background
Rebecca Schulz is the MLA for Calgary-Shaw (2019–present) and Minister of Children's Services (2019–present).[ 36] [ 42]
Date candidacy declared : June 14[ 22]
Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta : June 14[ 26]
Date candidacy approved : July 22[ 43]
Campaign website: https://www.rebeccaforleader.ca/
Campaign slogan: Back On Track
Endorsements of Rebecca Schulz
MLAs: (5)
Federal politicians: (3)
Municipal politicians: (1)
Former federal politicians: (1)
Former provincial politicians: (3)
Background
Danielle Smith, 51, is a UCP nomination candidate in Livingstone-Macleod .[ 28] She was the MLA for Highwood (2012–2015), the Leader of the Opposition (2012–2014), and leader of the Wildrose Party (2009–2014).
Date candidacy declared : May 19[ 16]
Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta : June 1[ 26]
Date candidacy approved : July 18[ 51]
Campaign website: https://www.daniellesmith.ca/
Campaign slogan: Danielle Smith For Premier
Endorsements of Danielle Smith
MLAs: (9)
Former MLAs: (3)
Other prominent individuals: (2)
Background
Travis Toews, 57, is the MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti (2019–present) and former Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board (2019–2022).
Date candidacy declared : May 31[ 17]
Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta : May 30[ 67]
Date candidacy approved : July 5[ 68]
Campaign website: https://www.toewsforalberta.ca/
Campaign slogan: Toews For Alberta
Endorsements of Travis Toews
MLAs: (28)
Federal politicians: (3)
Indigenous politicians: (2)
Former MLAs: (2)
Former federal politicians: (6)
Other prominent individuals: (2)
Withdrew or failed to qualify
Jon Horsman
Background
Jon Horsman is a former ATB Financial executive.[ 89] After withdrawing, he endorsed Travis Toews.[ 87]
Date candidacy declared : June 28[ 90]
Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta : June 29[ 26]
Date withdrew : July 20[ 91] [ 92]
Campaign website: http://jonhorsman.ca/
Campaign slogan: Refresh Alberta Now!
Endorsements of Jon Horsman
Municipal Politicians: (1)
Bill Rock (Mayor of Amisk and withdrawn leadership candidate)[ 93]
Bill Rock
Background
Bill Rock is the mayor of Amisk .[ 94] [ 95] He was the Wildrose Party candidate for Wetaskiwin-Camrose in the 2015 Alberta general election , finishing third.[ 96] After withdrawing, he endorsed Jon Horsman.[ 93]
Date candidacy declared : June 2[ 97]
Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta : June 2[ 26]
Date withdrew : July 9[ 98] [ 99]
Campaign website: https://billrock.ca/
Campaign slogan: Bill Rock For UCP Leader
Background
Raj Sherman is the former leader of the Alberta Liberal Party (2011–2015), Leader of the Opposition (2011–2012), and MLA for Edmonton-Meadowlark (2008–2015).[ 100] He currently works as an emergency physician. He requested an exemption to run in the race for not being a party member for 6 months, however it was rejected by the UCP Leadership Election Committee.[ 101] [ 102] Despite his exemption being denied, he still plans to run for the leadership and submit all the papers.[ 103] [ 104] On July 25, it was announced that Sherman was still denied a chance to enter the race.[ 105]
Date candidacy declared : June 29[ 106]
Date candidacy registered with Elections Alberta : June 24[ 26]
Campaign website: https://electraj.ca/
Campaign slogan: Experienced. Caring. Decisive.
Declined
Rona Ambrose , Interim Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition (2015–2017), MP for Sturgeon River—Parkland (2015–2017) and Edmonton—Spruce Grove , Alberta (2004–2015), Minister of Health (2013–2015), Minister of Public Works and Government Services (2010–2013), Minister of Labour (2008–2010), Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (2007–2008), Minister of the Environment (2006–2007)[ 107]
Rob Anderson , former MLA for Airdrie (2012–2015) and Airdrie-Chestermere (2008–2012).[ 36] [ 108]
Drew Barnes , Independent MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat (2012–present).[ 109] [ 110] [ 111]
Nathan Cooper , MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills (2015–present), Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly (2019-present), Leader of the Opposition in Alberta (2017), Interim Leader of the United Conservative Party (2017), and Carstairs Municipal Councillor (2010-2015).[ 36]
Jason Copping , MLA for Calgary-Varsity (2019-present), Minister of Health (2021–present), and Minister of Labour and Immigration (2019–2021).[ 112]
Devin Dreeshen , MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake (2018–present). He previously held the position of Minister of Agriculture and Forestry (2019–2021).[ 113]
Peter Guthrie , MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane (2019–present).[ 114] [ 55]
Nate Horner , MLA for Drumheller-Stettler (2019–present) and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development. (2021–present). He previously served as the Associate Minister of Rural Economic Development (2021).[ 115] [ 69]
Jason Kenney , Premier of Alberta (2019–present), MLA for Calgary-Lougheed (2017–present), Leader of the United Conservative Party (2017–present), Leader of the Opposition in Alberta (2018-2019), Leader of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta (2017), Minister of National Defence (2015), Minister of Employment and Social Development (2013–2015), Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism (2008–2013), MP for Calgary Midnapore , Alberta (2015–2016) and Calgary Southeast , Alberta (1997–2015).[ 116]
Adriana LaGrange , MLA for Red Deer-North (2019–present), Minister of Education (2019–present), Red Deer Catholic Regional Division Trustee (2007–2018)[ 42]
Kaycee Madu , MLA for Edmonton-South West (2019–present) and Minister Labour and Immigration (2022 - Present). He previously served as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General (2020-2022) and as Minister of Municipal Affairs (2019-2020).[ 36]
Ric McIver , MLA for Calgary-Hays (2012–present) and Minister of Municipal Affairs (2021 - Present). In addition to his current roles, he served as Alison Redford 's Minister of Transportation (2012–2013) and previously held the posts of Minister of Transportation (2019–2021), Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour (2014–2015), Minister of Infrastructure (2013–2014), and Minister of Municipal Affairs (2012–2013). He was also the Interim Leader of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta (2015–2017), and City of Calgary Alderman Ward 12 (2001-2010).[ 115]
Nathan Neudorf , MLA for Lethbridge-East (2019–present), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Parks for Water Stewardship (2021-present), and UCP Caucus Chair (2021-present).[ 36] [ 117]
Demetrios Nicolaides , MLA for Calgary-Bow (2019–present) and Minister of Advanced Education (2019–present).[ 112]
Jason Nixon , MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre (2015–present), Minister of Environment and Parks of Alberta (2019–present), and former Leader of the Opposition in Alberta (2017–2018).[ 109] [ 118]
Jeremy Nixon , MLA for Calgary-Klein (2019–present) and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Community and Social Services for Civil Society (2021–present).[ 107] [ 44]
Michelle Rempel Garner , MP for Calgary Nose Hill (2011–present). She has also held the positions of Shadow Minister for Natural Resources (2021–present), Shadow Minister for Health (2020–2021), and Minister of Western Economic Diversification (2013–2015).[ 107] [ 119] [ 120] [ 121]
Sonya Savage , MLA for Calgary-North West (2019–present) and Minister of Energy (2019–present).[ 122] [ 69]
Doug Schweitzer , MLA for Calgary-Elbow (2019–present), Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation (2020–present), Minister of Justice and Solicitor General (2019–2020) and 2017 United Conservative Party leadership election contestant.[ 107] [ 123]
Tyler Shandro , MLA for Calgary-Acadia (2019–present), Minister of Justice and Solicitor General of Alberta (2022–present), Minister of Labour and Immigration (2021–2022), and Minister of Health (2019–2021).[ 112]
Chris Warkentin , MP for Grande Prairie-Mackenzie (2006–present)[ 76]
Vote Count Process
Instant-runoff voting was used to determine the new party leader.
Danielle Smith led on the 1st Count and eventually accumulated a majority of the votes still in play to be declared the winner. Votes dropped out of play if they were to be transferred but bore no next usable back-up preference.[ 124]
Candidate
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Votes
%
Votes
%
Votes
%
Votes
%
Votes
%
Votes
%
Danielle Smith
34,949
41.3
34,981
41.4
35,095
41.7
38,496
46.2
39,270
47.7
42,423
53.77
Travis Toews
24,831
29.4
25,054
29.7
25,593
30.4
26,592
31.9
30,794
37.4
36,480
46.23
Brian Jean
9,301
11.1
9,504
11.3
10,157
12.1
11,251
13.5
12,203
14.8
Eliminated
Rebecca Schulz
5,835
6.9
6,180
7.3
6,784
8.0
6,972
8.4
Eliminated
Todd Loewen
6,496
7.7
6,512
7.7
6,596
7.8
Eliminated
Rajan Sawhney
1,787
2.1
2,246
2.7
Eliminated
Leela Aheer
1,394
1.6
Eliminated
Total
84,593
100.00
84,405
100.00
84,225
100.00
83,317
100.00
82,267
100.00
78,903
100.00
% of Vote Share by Round
Opinion polling
UCP supporters
Polling firm
Link
Last date of polling
Sample Size
Margin of error
Leela Aheer
Brian Jean
Todd Loewen
Rajan Sawhney
Rebecca Schulz
Danielle Smith
Travis Toews
Other
Mainstreet Research
[ p 1]
September 28, 2022
5,327
±1.2%
2.48%
12.37%
4.26%
1.07%
8.09%
41.79%
29.94%
N/A
One Persuasion
[ p 2]
September 12, 2022
1,792
±2.3%
–
10.4%
7.5%
–
6.7%
42.5%
28.8%
N/A
Mainstreet Research
[ p 3]
September 8, 2022
1,247
±2.8%
2.8%
20.2%
7.5%
0.6%
6.4%
43.9%
18.7%
N/A
Léger
[ p 4]
September 5, 2022
316
N/A
3%
31%
3%
2%
4%
27%
29%
N/A
Léger
[ p 5]
July 17, 2022
351
N/A
<1%
20%
2%
0%
2%
22%
15%
I don't know 31%Raj Sherman 2% Jon Horsman 1% Someone else 5%
Mainstreet Research
[ p 6]
July 17, 2022
304
N/A
–
23.1%
2.2%
0.2%
0.9%
22.6%
13.7%
Undecided 36.1%Ric McIver 1.2%
Angus Reid
[ p 7]
June 13, 2022
210
N/A
–
33%
8%
2%
7%
34%
25%
None 15%Jason Nixon 7% Other 7%
Leger
[ p 8]
May 23, 2022
345
N/A
–
22%
–
–
–
18%
5%
Don't know 37% Someone else 14%Doug Schweitzer 3%
All Albertans
Notes
References
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^ Schulz, Rebecca (June 22, 2022). "I met Calgary City Councillor @DanWMcLean when we both ran for the UCP nomination in Calgary-Shaw and I'm grateful for his support and friendship since then" . Twitter . Archived from the original on June 24, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022 .
^ Bell, Rick (June 14, 2022). "UCP race, Schulz and humility, Sawhney and a COVID probe" . Calgary Sun . Archived from the original on June 14, 2022. Retrieved June 14, 2022 .
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^ Beaudry-Mellor, Tina (June 14, 2022). "Very very happy to see @rebeccakschulz step up in the AB UCP leadership race. She will do the work and bring something a bit different to the table. Best wishes!" . Twitter . Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022 .
^ "@ABDanielleSmith is now an official #UCP Leadership Candidate" . Twitter . United Conservative Party of Alberta. July 18, 2022. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022 .
^ Smith, Danielle (August 11, 2022). "Dreeshen endorsement of Danielle Smith" . Twitter . Archived from the original on August 11, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022 .
^ Ellis, Mike (September 21, 2022). "She has my full support in this race to lead the UCP" . Twitter . Archived from the original on December 15, 2022. Retrieved September 21, 2022 .
^ a b Smith, Danielle (August 8, 2022). "Glubish endorsement of Danielle Smith" . Twitter . Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2022 .
^ a b Guthrie, Peter (July 5, 2022). "Endorsement of Danielle Smith" . Twitter . Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2022 .
^ Thomson, Graham (August 11, 2022). "Madu endorsement of Danielle Smith" . Twitter . Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022 .
^ Emmanuel, Rachel (July 26, 2022). "She's receiving an endorsement from Lethbridge-East UCP MLA Nathan Neudorf" . Twitter . Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2022 .
^ Goulet, Justin (July 27, 2022). "Lethbridge-East MLA Neudorf endorses Danielle Smith in UCP leadership race" . Lethbridge News Now . Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022 .
^ a b Smith, Danielle (July 26, 2022). " "We need a leader who'll stand up to Ottawa, champion our industries, and grow our economic possibilities far into the future and that leader and the next Premier of Alberta, well, that's Danielle Smith." - @PatRehnUCP" . Twitter . Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2022 .
^ Markusoff, Jason (July 14, 2022). "Devinder Toor: Smith the best candidate, can give Alberta a strong voice. She can take on Trudeau, won't lock down our businesses" . Twitter . Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022 .
^ Anderson, Rob. "Great to have you on board Peter!" . Facebook . Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022 .
^ Braid, Don (July 15, 2022). "Danielle Smith's campaign pokes a stick into the extremist bonfire" . Calgary Herald . Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022 .
^ Smith, Danielle (August 12, 2022). "LIVE Alberta Town Hall" . Facebook . Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022 .
^ Sandhu, Peter. "All the way Danielle" . Facebook . Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022 .
^ Chandler, Craig (July 8, 2022). "I may be on Danielle Smiths team but, it is important we help each other in this race" . Twitter . Archived from the original on July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022 .
^ Markusoff, Jason (July 14, 2022). " "I believe that Danielle is the right person in the right time in the right place for what we need to do." " . Twitter . Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022 .
^ Braid, Don (May 30, 2022). "Braid: Finance Minister Toews enters leadership race, others in holding pattern" . Calgary Herald . Postmedia. Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022 .
^ United Conservative Party of Alberta [@Alberta_UCP] (July 5, 2022). "@ToewsforAlberta is now an official #UCP Leadership Candidate" (Tweet ) – via Twitter .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y Short, Dylan (June 4, 2022). "So ya Savage is co-chairing the Toews campaign. Here are his endorsements from current MLAs" . Twitter . Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022 .
^ a b c "Endorsements" . Toews For Alberta . Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022 .
^ Getson, Shane (June 1, 2022). "I've worked with this man for 3 years, and I trust him. He is the real deal" . Facebook . Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved June 1, 2022 .
^ a b c Toews, Travis (July 6, 2022). "I'm grateful for the support of Minister @nateglubish , MLA @JordanWalkerAB and MP @GarnettGenuis" . Twitter . Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 6, 2022 .
^ Singleton, Dan (August 8, 2022). "Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA won't endorse particular candidate" . Mountain View Today . Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2022 .
^ Toews, Travis (September 2, 2022). "Another fantastic UCP MLA joining #TeamTravis — thanks to RJ Sigurdson for your support!" . Twitter . Archived from the original on September 2, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022 .
^ Blais, George (June 18, 2022). "MLA still undecided on who he'll back as UCP leader" . Town and Country Today . Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022 .
^ a b Carrie Tait [@CarrieTait] (May 31, 2022). "UCP endorsement time! Chris Warkentin, the Conservative MP for Grande Prairie-Mackenzie, said he endorses Travis Toews in the UCP leadership race" (Tweet ) – via Twitter .
^ Toews, Travis (June 21, 2022). " "Chief Billy Morin has been a champion for his Nation and for Indigenous people across Alberta. To receive his endorsement on #NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay means a great deal." - Travis Toews" . Twitter . Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2022 .
^ Toews, Travis (September 4, 2022). "@RonQuintal, I am honoured to receive your support. I look forward to working with you and the Fort McKay Métis Nations Council" . Twitter . Archived from the original on September 4, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022 .
^ Dorward, David (July 16, 2022). "Travis Toews is the leadership candidate to vote for for the following reasons" . Facebook . Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022 .
^ Forsyth, Heather (June 1, 2022). "Proud to support Travis" . Twitter . Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 1, 2022 .
^ Toews, Travis (September 23, 2022). "It was great to see so many come out and to get the support from former MP and federal minister, Diane Ablonczy" . Twitter . Archived from the original on March 16, 2024. Retrieved October 19, 2022 .
^ Toews, Travis (June 21, 2022). "Watch Live: Travis Toews launches his campaign in Edmonton" . Twitter . Archived from the original on June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2022 .
^ Hawn, Laurie (June 22, 2022). "Just like federally, Alberta needs some adult supervision and I believe that Travis Toews is the qualified adult on the room" . Facebook . Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022 .
^ Merrifield, Rob (July 11, 2022). "Travis is the adult in this race! Buy a membership and make certain AB gets this right" . Twitter . Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022 .
^ Sahota, Jag (June 6, 2022). "I am so proud and excited to endorse my friend Travis Toews for the leadership of the United Conservative Party" . Facebook . Archived from the original on June 6, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2022 .
^ Sorenson, Kevin (July 12, 2022). "come and see for yourself why Travis Toews is the right man for the job" . Facebook . Archived from the original on March 16, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2022 .
^ a b Toews, Travis (September 1, 2022). "Thank you @HorsmanJon for your endorsement" . Twitter . Archived from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved September 2, 2022 .
^ Wilson, W. Brett (August 19, 2022). "Are you with me? Yes. Totally" . Twitter . Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved August 19, 2022 .
^ Smith, Madeline (June 29, 2022). "Former PC MLA, Alberta Liberal leader Raj Sherman announces UCP leadership run" . Calgary Herald . Archived from the original on July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022 .
^ Nelson, Jessica (July 4, 2022). "Three Alberta parties launch their search for a leader" . St. Albert Today . Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2022 .
^ Horsman, Jon (July 20, 2022). "I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the UCP leadership race" . Twitter . Archived from the original on July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022 .
^ Joannou, Ashley (July 20, 2022). "Eight UCP leadership candidates submit documentation and cash to get on the ballot" . Edmonton Journal . Archived from the original on July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022 .
^ a b Horsman, Jon (July 16, 2022). "Bill Rock endorses Jon Horsman" . jonhorsman.ca . Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022 .
^ Johnson, Lisa (June 2, 2022). "There's a new UCP leadership candidate, registered today. Elections Alberta now listing somebody named Bill Rock" . Twitter . Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2022 .
^ Johnson, Lisa (June 2, 2022). "I just called the Village of Amisk and they confirmed, this is their Mayor, Bill" . Twitter . Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2022 .
^ Johnson, Lisa (June 3, 2022). " 'I'm the wildcard': Former Wildrose candidate and Amisk mayor Bill Rock throws hat into UCP leadership ring" . Edmonton Journal . Archived from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved June 3, 2022 .
^ Rock, Bill (June 2, 2022). "So I have officially filed my paperwork with elections Alberta to run in the leadership contest for the UCP party" . Facebook . Archived from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved June 3, 2022 .
^ Slobodian, Linda (July 9, 2022). "Rock out of UCP race — maybe" . Western Standard . Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2022 .
^ Lachacz, Adam (July 10, 2022). "Bill Rock to withdraw from UCP leadership contest" . CTV News Edmonton . Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022 .
^ "The Race for Premier" . New West Public Affairs . June 14, 2022. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved June 14, 2022 .
^ Emmanuel, Rachel (June 21, 2022). "The UCP LEC rejected an exemption request from former Alberta Lib leader Raj Sherman to run in the party's leadership race, which he required bc he was not a party member for 6 months" . Twitter . Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2022 .
^ Smith, Alanna (June 21, 2022). "Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner cleared to run for UCP leadership after membership issue" . The Globe and Mail . Archived from the original on June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022 .
^ Braid, Don (June 23, 2022). "Dr. Raj Sherman rejected by UCP, but determined to run anyway" . Calgary Herald . Archived from the original on June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022 .
^ Amato, Sean (June 27, 2022). "Former PC, Liberal MLA Raj Sherman registers to run for UCP leader" . CTV News Edmonton . Archived from the original on June 28, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022 .
^ Mertz, Emily (July 25, 2022). "Raj Sherman denied chance to run for Alberta UCP leadership" . Global News . Archived from the original on July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022 .
^ Amato, Sean (June 29, 2022). "Sherman determined to be UCP leader even though his membership waiver was rejected" . CTV News Edmonton . Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022 .
^ a b c d Kaufmann, Bill (May 19, 2022). "Hopefuls for UCP leadership jockey for position, disagree over interim head" . Postmedia. Calgary Herald . Archived from the original on May 19, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022 .
^ Anderson, Rob. "Anderson Endorsement" . Facebook . Archived from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved July 9, 2022 .
^ a b Breakenridge, Dave (May 18, 2022). "Who could replace Jason Kenney as UCP leader? Some possible contenders" . Edmonton Journal . Archived from the original on May 19, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022 .
^ Gallant, Collin (June 15, 2022). "Barnes mulls options as UCP leader race builds" . Medicine Hat News . Archived from the original on June 15, 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2022 .
^ Barnes, Drew (June 17, 2022). "I promised a straight answer, & here it is- I will not be running in the UCP leadership race" . Twitter . Archived from the original on June 17, 2022. Retrieved June 17, 2022 .
^ a b c Bellefontaine, Michelle (May 24, 2022). "Alberta cabinet ministers mulling bids to replace Jason Kenney" . CBC . Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved May 25, 2022 .
^ Hackett, Byron (June 4, 2022). "The case of never-ending elections" . Red Deer Advocate . Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved June 4, 2022 .
^ Edey, Noel (June 7, 2022). "Guthrie is being encouraged to run for UCP leadership" . Cochrane Now . Archived from the original on June 7, 2022. Retrieved June 7, 2022 .
^ a b Climenhaga, David (May 19, 2022). "Is Jason Kenney Really Riding Off into the Sunset?" . The Tyee . Archived from the original on May 19, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022 .
^ Frew, Nicholas (May 21, 2022). "Jason Kenney says he will not run in upcoming UCP leadership race" . CBC . Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022 .
^ Beeber, Al (June 7, 2022). "Neudorf throws hat back in ring; potential leadership bid now off the table" . Lethbridge Herald . Archived from the original on June 7, 2022. Retrieved June 7, 2022 .
^ Singleton, Dan (May 25, 2022). "Jason Nixon ponders leadership run" . Rocky Mountain Outlook . Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved June 1, 2022 .
^ Emmanuel, Rachel (June 1, 2022). "EXCLUSIVE: Rempel Garner exploring potential UCP leadership run" . The Western Standard . Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved June 1, 2022 .
^ Issawi, Hamdi (June 15, 2022). "Michelle Rempel Garner leaves Patrick Brown campaign to consider UCP leadership run" . National Post . Retrieved June 16, 2022 .
^ Tran, Paula (June 23, 2022). "Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner not running for UCP leadership" . Global News . Archived from the original on June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022 .
^ Snowdon, Wallis (May 20, 2022). "Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is resigning as United Conservative Party leader. Now what?" . CBC . Archived from the original on May 20, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022 .
^ Schweitzer, Doug (May 23, 2022). "Statement on the UCP Leadership Race and my next steps" . Twitter . Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved May 23, 2022 .
^ United Conservative Party of Alberta [@Alberta_UCP] (October 6, 2022). "First ballot results: #ucpldr" (Tweet ). Archived from the original on October 26, 2022 – via Twitter .
Opinion poll sources
^ "UCP Leadership 2022 Polling Dashboard | iPolitics" . www.ipolitics.ca . Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022 .
^ Bell, Rick (September 16, 2022). "Bell: A new UCP leadership race poll, and yes, it's party members" . Calgary Sun . Archived from the original on September 16, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022 . Note: poll commissioned by Smith Campaign.
^ Green, Arthur (September 12, 2022). "EXCLUSIVE: Smith leads UCP poll with 44% support" . Western Standard . Archived from the original on September 12, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2022 .
^ "UCP Leadership Ballot Poll September 2022" (PDF) . Leger . September 9, 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 9, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2022 .
^ "Provincial Poll" (PDF) . Leger . July 22, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022 .
^ "Mainstreet Research Survey – Alberta" (PDF) . iPolitics . July 21, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 .
^ a b "Alberta Spotlight: Brian Jean, Danielle Smith claim early advantage in UCP leadership race to succeed Kenney" . Angus Reid Institute . June 17, 2022. Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022 .
^ a b "Post UCP Leadership Review Poll" (PDF) . Leger . June 1, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2022 .