Danielle Smith gets boisterous support as UCP members embark on leadership vote

One day before a crucial vote on her leadership, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith received a warm welcome from United Conservative Party members at the party’s annual general meeting in Red Deer. The atmosphere was filled with loud and boisterous applause as Smith and her cabinet engaged in a ‘bear pit’ question and answer session to kick off the two-day convention.

With about 6,000 registered members in attendance, Smith was met with enthusiastic support from the crowd, signaling a strong backing from the party faithful. Having won the party leadership two years ago and leading the UCP to a second consecutive majority government last year, Smith faces a vote on her record on Saturday, as per party rules.

Cabinet ministers and party members were visibly showing their support for Smith by wearing buttons endorsing her continued leadership. The convention began with a sense of unity and optimism, with Smith expressing her excitement to be among like-minded conservatives who are dedicated to shaping the future of Alberta.

However, not everyone at the convention is in agreement with Smith’s leadership. Groups like Take Back Alberta and the 1905 Committee have expressed dissatisfaction with the premier’s failure to fulfill certain campaign promises. They plan to vote against her, citing issues such as lack of accountability for pandemic measures and vaccine mandates.

Former Smith supporter, Marco van Huigenbos, voiced his disappointment with the premier’s actions, particularly regarding pandemic accountability. He believes that a significant portion of party members feel disillusioned by the government’s response and the lack of transparency in decision-making.

Despite the criticisms, there are staunch supporters of Smith who believe she is doing a commendable job. Bill Crawford, a UCP member from Crossfield, commended Smith for her leadership and expressed his intention to vote in her favor. He criticized the groups attempting to oust her, emphasizing the need for unity within the party.

As the convention progresses, members will have the opportunity to discuss policy resolutions, including contentious issues like restricting access to “exclusively female spaces” and categorizing gender-affirming procedures as elective cosmetic procedures not covered by Alberta medicare. Smith will make her case to the party members on Saturday morning, seeking their continued support for her leadership.

The outcome of the leadership vote remains uncertain, with tensions running high among party members. As the UCP navigates through this critical juncture, the future direction of the party and the province hangs in the balance.