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UCP leadership hopefuls coming to Westlock

Northern Alberta UCP Leadership Forum at Westlock Community Hall July 22
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Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken says the July 22 UCP leadership forum in Westlock will allow for discussion between party members and candidates in a relaxed, social atmosphere.  

WESTLOCK — The United Conservatives Party leadership race is making a stop in Westlock July 22.  

The Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock UCP Constituency Association is hosting the Northern Alberta UCP Leadership Forum at the Westlock Community Hall, that also includes a barbecue steak dinner and is a fundraiser for the 2023 election campaign.

“Our goal for the event is to provide an opportunity locally for people to hear and meet the leadership candidates personally,” said Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock UCP Constituency Association president Bill Hall. “This is an important decision as we will be voting for the future premier of Alberta.”  

Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken said candidates will have an opportunity to introduce themselves to party members from across northern Alberta and share their ideas and goals in a non-debate fashion. The evening will allow for discussions between UCP members and candidates in a relaxed, social atmosphere.  

“Members will be able to speak one on one with candidates throughout the evening,” said van Dijken. “This forum gives members in the northern region an opportunity to come and meet with them face to face and (see) how they interact with the people.”

As of July 18, there are 10 candidates in the running to replace outgoing UCP leader and premier Jason Kenney, including former finance minister Travis Toews, UCP MLA and former Wildrose Party leader Brian Jean, former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith, Independent MLA Todd Loewen, Amisk mayor Bill Rock, UCP backbencher Leela Aheer, former transportation minister Rajan Sawhney, former Alberta Liberal Party leader Raj Sherman, former children’s services minister Rebecca Shulz and Jon Horsman.

van Dijken noted in talking with both constituents and UCP members recently, a wide range of issues are on the minds of northern Albertans, some of which are expected to be discussed during the forum.     

“The candidates are just starting to unveil some of what they hope to accomplish as leader. Name recognition is an important part of the initial stages of a leadership contest, but I would suggest that members are taking their time to try and evaluate each (candidate) as the race continues,” said van Dijken. “Every member is going to have their priorities as individuals, but in our constituency and in the northern region, a lot of the priorities surface around the core industries — our energy, our agriculture, and our forestry industries and to some extent tourism is becoming more important in the northern region.

“For members, some of the priorities that they’re looking for in a leader is someone that has the ability to bring people together, common vision, and common goals,” said van Dijken. 

The next UCP leader will be elected Oct. 6 with voting, in person or by mail, slated to begin Sept. 2.  

For more information or tickets to the leadership forum visit www.unitedconservative.ca, e-mail [email protected] or call Hall at 780-307-4110.

Kristine Jean, TownandCountryToday.com


Kristine Jean

About the Author: Kristine Jean

Kristine Jean joined the Westlock News as a reporter in February 2022. She has worked as a multimedia journalist for several publications in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and enjoys covering community news, breaking news, sports and arts.
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