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UCP leadership candidates. Top: Brian Jean, Danielle Smith, Leela Aheer. Bottom: Rajan Sawhney, Rebecca Schulz, Todd Loewen, Travis Toews. (Image From Lethbridge News Now/UCP)
By Chris Brown
Watch the debate here

Medicine Hat hosting first UCP leadership debate tonight

Jul 27, 2022 | 10:05 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The seven candidates running to become leader of Alberta’s United Conservative Party and the next premier of Alberta are in Medicine Hat tonight for the first debate.

The themes the party has set out for the debate are leadership and unity, health care, and the economy and the environment.

Below is the live stream on the party’s Facebook page. You can also watch on the UCP website.

Candidates who will take part include four former cabinet members in Jason Kenney’s government, two people making returns to politics and one former UCP caucus member who was kicked out for his criticisms of Kenney’s leadership.

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Former culture, multiculturalism and the status of women minister Leela Aheer, former Wildrose leader Brian Jean, Independent MLA Todd Loewen, former transport minister Rajan Sawhney, former children’s services minister Rebecca Schulz, former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith and former finance minister Travis Toews are running to replace Kenney.

The debate is at the HALO hangar at the Medicine Hat Regional Airport and moderated by Jeff Davison, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Centre and a former Calgary city councillor.

The doors will open at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday with the debate starting at 5 p.m.

A second official debate is scheduled for Edmonton on Aug. 30, after the Aug. 12 cutoff for members to sign up to vote in the contest. Members will vote for Kenney’s replacement on Oct. 6.

by Chris Brown

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