November 4, 2024
This past weekend, the United Conservative Party (UCP) held its annual general meeting (AGM) and leadership review in Red Deer, Alberta. The event attracted more than 5,500 members, marking a notable show of engagement and strength within the governing party.
A key highlight from the weekend was the leadership review mandated by party rules in which Premier Smith secured 91.5% support from UCP members. This was a significant validation for the Premier, especially considering the tumultuous history of her path to becoming leader.
When she succeeded former premier and UCP leader Jason Kenney in 2022, Danielle Smith ended the leadership contest with a modest 51% of members’ support, reflecting the divided state of the UCP at that time. This strong endorsement at the AGM underscored Smith’s growing confidence in her leadership with the activist base of the party, reinforcing her mandate to guide the UCP forward.
Premier Smith’s speech to attendees this past Saturday focused on unity and her vision for Alberta’s future. She emphasized the large turnout was indicative of a strong party base and a shared commitment to the UCP’s principles and future. She highlighted the need to build on Alberta’s strengths, including economic development, energy policy, and healthcare improvements, while reinforcing traditional conservative values.
The AGM also showcased robust debates on policy issues that have been at the forefront of media attention. Members deliberated on various non-binding policy proposals, such as Alberta’s approach to net-zero emissions targets, prohibiting future vaccine mandates, and transgender issues.
Premier Smith’s approach to leadership has focused on maintaining a delicate balance between the mainstream conservative voting block and the more socially conservative wing of the party. The 91.5% support she received underscored her efforts have resonated positively with the membership, giving her a robust mandate to continue her leadership without immediate challenge.
With a solidified position within the UCP, Premier Smith now faces the daunting task of pivoting from delivering on the key issues for UCP party activists, to those that resonate with the moderate conservative voting block, such as affordability, healthcare, education, and the economy.
For now, however, the AGM has positioned the UCP to move forward confidently, with Danielle Smith at the helm, backed by what appears to be a strong unified party.
We’re Here to Help
For more information and insights about what these developments mean for Alberta’s political landscape, please contact:
Rick Fraser -Senior Strategy Advisor
rick@prairieskystrategy.ca
403.701.7584
Whitney Issik – Senior Strategy Advisor
whitney@prairieskystrategy.ca
403.815.2582
Colleen Potter – Senior Strategy Advisor
colleen@prairieskystrategy.ca
587.500.2336
Mat Steppan – Vice-President
mat@prairieskystrategy.ca
780.236.1543
Jeff Sterzuk – President
jeff@prairieskystrategy.ca
403.612.1724
Ben Thibault – Senior Strategy Advisor
ben@prairieskystrategy.ca
587.897.6261
Richard Truscott – Vice-President
richard@prairieskystrategy.ca
403.998.0494
To learn more about Prairie Sky Strategy, please visit our website.
