Calgary-Shaw MLA Rebecca Schulz enters UCP leadership race
Calgary-Shaw MLA Rebecca Schulz has entered the race to become the next United Conservative Party leader.
Schulz, who stepped down as minister of children's services to enter the leadership race, made the announcement at a press conference Tuesday, telling reporters she is focused on "uniting our party and defeating the NDP in the next provincial election."
"I’m proud and grateful to be part of such an amazing team, a team I know will want to work together to accomplish this goal," she said.
Calling Alberta a "place of hope and opportunity," Schulz said as leader of the party, she will "fight to defend our Constitutional rights in this country."
"We cannot let Ottawa call the shots, stifle economic growth, trample on our freedoms and the entrepreneurial spirit of the hardworking women and men who built this province and are still building it today."
"Right now things in Alberta are looking up," she said.
"Unemployment is down, jobs are up, we are growing more diverse every single day. From oil and gas, to tech and manufacturing, agriculture and film, we have an amazing story to tell. Our government has done some really great things and our economic plan is working, but we cannot take out eye off the ball."
Minister of Community and Social Services Jason Luan will serve as acting minister of children's services.
Schulz was first elected in 2019.
Six other candidates were registered with Elections Alberta as of June 14: Travis Toews, Brian Jean, Danielle Smith, Todd Loewen, Bill Rock and Leela Aheer.
Newly resigned transportation minister Rajan Sawhney launched her campaign on Monday.
UCP voters will be able to cast their ballot at five polling stations across the province on Oct. 6.
As well, mail-in ballots will be sent out Sept. 2 and must be returned by Oct. 3.
Among the requirements of candidates this year is a $150,000 entrance fee, which can be paid in stages, a $25,000 refundable compliance deposit, and a nomination petition with at least 1,000 signatures from party members. That list must include 200 from each of the party's regions.
The entry fee is twice what was required in 2017 for the party's first leadership contest.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.