Alberta premier faces his biggest challenge: his own party as protesters force lockdown at Calgary casino
The UCP's annual convention this weekend started out with tension both inside and out.
Not only did Premier Jason Kenney find his leadership being challenged inside the Grey Eagle Casino, but shortly after 6 p.m., protesters gathered outside the casino armed with signs speaking out against vaccine mandates and calling for the premier's resignation.
Tsuut'ina police guarded the entrances and for about 40 minutes, no one was allowed in or out of the venue.
Tsuut'ina police outside the Grey Eagle Casino Friday night
Grey Eagle Casino management issued a statement Friday saying they anticipated protests and are working closely with UCP organizers and police.
Kenney arrived at the venue not long before the protesters, where he discovered the climate inside the building won't likely be much more welcoming this weekend.
Earlier Friday, Kenney was booed by several delegates at the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.
His words, for the incoming AUMA (now renamed the AM) president may have been directed at all Albertans as well.
"We know, what we all know," said Kenney, "It's a lot easier to tear down than to build up. And it's hard to lead, especially at a time of crisis like we've been going through."
Kenney's leadership is about to be tested by his own party.
Jason Kenney meeting and greeting UCP party members Friday at Grey Eagle Casino
The United Conservative Party's annual general meeting kicks off in Calgary Friday night and nearly two dozen constituency associations are calling for an early review of his leadership, unhappy with his actions throughout the pandemic.
"The range of people that are angry with him for a number of different reasons is so substantial, it's difficult to understand how he can win that confidence and trust," said Mount Royal University political science professor Lori Williams.
One of the constituency associations demanding an early leadership review is Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, where members feel they could lose voters to the revamped Wildrose Independence party.
Erhard Poggeemiller is on the board and says members need a firm answer.
"I think that is really a new leader, "he says, "Or a resounding leadership confirmation - one of the two...and then I think we need to put it to bed and move ahead."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.