Both Jason Kenney, leader of the PC Party, and Wildrose leader Brian Jean were expected to stand for leader of the new party, with Jean saying at the press conference that announced the merger agreement: "Clearly we're both running for the leadership of this new party."[3] Former Conservative Party of Canada interim leader Rona Ambrose ruled herself out of consideration.[4]
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Alberta Election Commissioner are investigating allegations that Jason Kenney and his team were involved in orchestrating Jeff Callaway's campaign for the leadership of the United Conservative Party in an attempt to harm Kenney's biggest rival, Brian Jean. Documents obtained by The Toronto Star confirm that Kenney's campaign controlled major aspects of Callaway's campaign, including the providing of strategic plans, attack ads, speeches, and talking points intended to discredit Jean. These documents have since been handed over the election commissioner, according to Callaway's former campaign manager, Cameron Davies. Davies also said that Kenney had attended a meeting at Callaway's house in July 2017 where the "kamikaze campaign" was discussed and that Kenney had first-hand knowledge of this strategy.[5]
A leaked document alleged that Jason Kenney's team first approached Derek Fildebrandt in July 2017 about running a "dark-horse" campaign but ultimately decided against working with him. Fildebrandt confirmed this account but stated that it was he who rejected the idea.[6]
An emergency injunction was sought to halt the probe into the financing of Callaway's UCP leadership campaign for the duration of the 2019 Alberta general election, but was denied by Court of Queen's Bench Justice Anne Kirker who ruled it was in the public interest for the investigation to continue.[7]
Callaway, who declared his candidacy on August 10, 2017, only to withdraw on October 4, after the debates but prior to voting, was issued 24 fines totalling $70,000 by the Alberta Election Commissioner on July 18, 2019, during an investigation into allegations that Kenney's leadership team orchestrated Callaway's candidacy in order to attack to attack Jean and that Callaway's campaign was funded by illegal donations.[8] While, Alberta elections commissioner Lorne Gibson has led to fines against 15 people totalling $207,223.[9][10]
May 18, 2017 - PC leader Jason Kenney and Wildrose leader Brian Jean announce that merger referendums will be held in their parties on July 22, 2017. If they pass, with thresholds of 50%+1 of PC members and 75% of Wildrose members, the parties will begin the process of merging into the United Conservative Party, or UCP.[11]
June 1, 2017 - Doug Schweitzer declares his candidacy.[3]
July 22, 2017 - The PC and Wildrose parties hold unity referendums on the question of merging into the United Conservative Party. Both parties approve the merger with 95% support.[12]Brian Jean declares his candidacy.[13]
July 29, 2017 - Jason Kenney declares his candidacy.
August 10, 2017 - Jeff Callaway declares his candidacy.
September 12, 2017 - Nomination period officially closes at 5pm MT (UTC−6). Half of entrance fee is due.[14][15]
September 20, 2017 - Leadership debate held in Calgary.[16]
September 28, 2017 - Leadership debate held in Edmonton.[17]
September 29, 2017 - Membership sales end at 5 pm MT (UTC−6).[14]
October 3, 2017 - Leadership debate held in Red Deer.[18]
October 4, 2017 - Jeff Callaway withdraws his candidacy.
October 5, 2017 - Balance of entrance fee is due.[15]
Other prominent supporters: (2) Jeff Callaway (President of the Wildrose Party, 2008–2010; 2014–2017),[54] Candice Malcolm (Calgary Sun Columnist)[55][56]
Calls for massive cuts to Alberta's corporate and personal income tax rates, including replacing progressive income tax with a flat tax of 10% for those making more than $100,000 a year and 9% for those making less than that amount.
Advocates the elimination of the province's carbon levy. Proposes cutting salaries of public sector workers across the board by 3% for those making less than $120,000 a year and by 6% for those making more than that.
Says most Albertans are "socially moderate" and that issues such as "gay-straight alliances," "diversity," and inclusion of women are non-partisan issues.[3]
Jeff Callaway
Background
Jeff Callaway, 40, was formerly President of the Wildrose Party (2008–2010; 2014–2017) and 2015 Wildrose candidate for Calgary-North West. He is currently a Calgary-based senior investment advisor.[47]
Jonathan Denis, MLA for Calgary-Egmont (2008–2012) and Calgary-Acadia (2012–2015), Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (2010–2011), Solicitor General, Attorney General, and Minister of Justice for Alberta (2012–2015).[47] Endorsed Kenney.[47]
"Leadership Election". unitedconservative.ca. United Conservative Party. October 28, 2017. Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
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