Kenney says his confidence is high as UCP AGM wraps up
The day after his keynote address was met with multiple standing ovations, Premier Jason Kenney says he's feeling good about the way the UCP’s annual general meeting played out.
The AGM was billed as an event with the potential for fireworks where internal party issues and pandemic policy decisions have led to the lowest premier approval ratings in the country. Even some within the conservative ranks are calling for a new party head.
But the AGM wrapped Sunday with no coups, public spats or outward arguments.
"I know some of you guys were hoping for a fight yesterday, but it didn't happen," Kenney said to reporters. "I think it was an incredible expression of unity. I feel more confident about my leadership today than frankly I have in a very long time."
About 1,600 people were on hand for the AGM. Kenney's Saturday speech was the headline event.
"A lot more than 50 per cent of people in that room were on their feet affirming what I had to say to the party and the province," Kenney said.
Party division and an upcoming leadership review were the focus of the premier's media availability.
A motion aimed at preventing an early leadership review failed to pass on Friday, but Kenney says despite the vote outcome, the party is strong.
That'll be tested during in the spring review. Kenney acknowledged the divide in the UCP over COVID-19 health restrictions and decisions.
The pandemic was a hot button topic during Saturday night's bear-pit session.
Experts say even if it is just public health choices separating the UCP caucus, the debate around pandemic management is bound to rear its head again this winter.
"So I think the leadership review could go either way," political scientist Keith Brownsey said. "Why would there be fireworks now? What are they going to do at an annual general meeting? That party is divided in a half a dozen different ways."
More than 20 UCP constituency associations have requested that leadership vote come early. Whether that request is granted remains to be seen.
Kenney said he'll respect whatever date the party's board lands on.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
BREAKING Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.