Conservatives Are off to the Races

Leadership races, real and imagined, have caught the imagination of conservative activists while distracting many in the halls of the Alberta Legislature. The entrance of former Quebec Premier, Jean Charest, to the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race caused many tongues to wag about a contest some assumed had already been sewed up by Ottawa MP Pierre Poilievre. The addition of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown to the contest, perhaps with some sort of strategic alliance with Mr. Charest led to much speculation about what members of the federal conservative party will have on their mind when they vote in September. Listen to New West’s Michael Solberg provide his take on CBC’s Alberta at Noon.

Provincially, speculation revolves around a contest for a job not even open. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney faces his party membership on April 9. Over 5000 have registered to vote so far and the membership sales cutoff is another 9 days away. New West Partner Matt Solberg warned not to count Kenney out after a head-turning good news budget. Read his take in the Toronto Star, here.