It's hot in Medicine Hat. One writer even said it had "all Hell for a basement" — and the summer temperatures might go up a little today as the United Conservative Party hosts its first leadership candidate debate in the southeastern Alberta city.
Seven candidates for the UCP leadership — including Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Brian Jean — will be on the stage for the debate, which starts at 5 pm. and will be live-streamed on the UCP website. The leadership candidates are Leela Aheer, Brian Jean, Todd Loewen, Rajan Sawhney, Rebecca Schulz, Danielle Smith, Travis Toews.
Jean, Smith and Toews were recently highlighted in polling as the front-runners in the race leading up to the for October 6 election results. According to information sent to media outlets, the he moderator for the debate will be Jeff Davison, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Centre, and former Calgary City Councillor. The Party has also determined themes for the night's debate, focusing on unity, healthcare, the economy, leadership and the environment.
DEBATE DETAILS Date: Wednesday July 27, 2022 Time: Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Debate from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Location: HALO Hangar 12-1 Airport Drive SW, Medicine Hat (at the Medicine Hat Regional Airport) Livestream: www.unitedconservative.ca/livestream
A second candidates' forum is scheduled take place in Edmonton on August 30 at the Maclab Theatre in the Citadel.
Ballots for the October election day will be mailed on September 2 to UCP members who have registered by August 12. Completed ballot packages must be received by the firm overseeing the vote by October 3.
The announcement of the results will take place in Calgary at BMO Centre on October 6. Additional details on the UCP leadership vote can be found at www.unitedconservative.ca/leadership.
Current Alberta Premier and UCP leader Jason Kenney announced his planned retirement from the post earlier this year.
