4.76°C Vancouver

Jun 6, 2022 2:37 PM - THE CANADIAN PRESS

Former Alberta finance minister stresses unity at campaign launch for UCP leadership

Share On

Alberta's former finance minister officially launched his campaign to succeed Premier Jason Kenney as leader of the United Conservative Party on Saturday by stressing the need for unity and warning against the dangers of division.

Travis Toews, who resigned from cabinet Tuesday to run for his party's top job, told an audience of supporters that he was extending a call home to those who felt ``wrongly categorized'' and

``disregarded.''

Kenney announced he would step down as UCP leader as soon as a new one is chosen after he received lukewarm support of 51.4 per cent in a leadership review last month.

He has blamed his demise on a faction of extremists unhappy with his decisions to bring in restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toews noted the pandemic caused feelings of lingering grief and frustration, which he said has crept into communities, businesses and even families, and that healing is needed within the province's conservative movement.

The party is working out the logistics of a vote and has not announced a date or any other details.

Latest news

vancouver-police-search-for-driver-after-fatal-hit-and-run-in-east-vancouver
BCDec 23, 2025

Vancouver police search for driver after fatal hit-and-run in East Vancouver

Vancouver Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of an elderly pedestrian in East Vancouver early Tuesday morning. Officers say the collision occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Rupert Street near Euclid Avenue. Police and BC Emergency Health Services responded to reports that an 81-year-old woman had been struck by a vehicle. The driver did not remain at the scene and was last seen travelling northbound on Rupert Street. The woman died at the scene before she could be taken to hospital. Investigators believe the vehicle involved is a dark grey Volkswagen Golf, like
BCDec 23, 2025

RCMP investigate cause of fire that damaged Grand Forks motel

Police in Grand Forks are investigating the cause of a fire that damaged several units at a local motel late Sunday evening. The incident occurred at Johnny’s Motel along Highway 3 and prompted a response from emergency crews shortly after 8:30 p.m. According to the RCMP, officers were called to assist the Grand Forks Fire Service after a vehicle caught fire in the motel’s carport area. Flames then spread to the building, affecting multiple units before being brought under control. No injuries were reported. Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the BC RCMP said investigators are continuing to exam
police-investigate-suspicious-death-of-woman-in-merritt
BCDec 23, 2025

Police investigate suspicious death of woman in Merritt

Police in Merritt are investigating a suspicious death after a woman was found with fatal injuries over the weekend, prompting the involvement of the RCMP’s Major Crime Unit. Mounties say officers were called on December 20 to assist BC Emergency Health Services in the 2000-block of Nicola Avenue after reports of a woman in medical distress. The woman, a Merritt resident in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. RCMP have confirmed the circumstances surrounding the death are considered suspicious, and the Southeast District Major Crime Unit has taken over conduct of the investigation. Po
canada-post-and-postal-workers-union-reach-tentative-labour-agreements
CanadaDec 22, 2025

Canada Post and postal workers’ union reach tentative labour agreements

Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers say they have reached tentative collective agreements that could bring an end to more than two years of labour tensions at the Crown corporation. The agreements cover both the Urban Postal Operations unit and the Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers unit, representing roughly 55,000 workers nationwide. The union’s national board has recommended members approve the deals, with ratification votes expected in early 2026. During the ratification process, both sides have agreed there will be no strike or lockout action, providing short-term labour
police-stop-406-000-fraud-targeting-northern-vancouver-island-first-nation
BCDec 22, 2025

Police stop $406,000 fraud targeting northern Vancouver Island First Nation

Alert Bay RCMP say they have prevented a fraud scheme that targeted the Namgis First Nation, protecting more than $400,000 intended for a new wellness and treatment centre on northern Vancouver Island. The case came to light on May 13, when the First Nation reported that $406,000 earmarked for contractors had been redirected to a fraudulent bank account via a scam email. Authorities say early intervention was key in limiting the financial loss. Collaboration with law enforcement in Eastern Canada led to a freeze on the bank account, which police allege was operated by an organized crime group.

Related News