Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4 per cent approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.
"While 51 per cent of the vote passes the constitutional threshold of a majority, it clearly is not adequate support to continue on as leader," Kenney told a crowd gathered at Spruce Meadows in Calgary.
"I'm sorry, but friends, I truly believe that we need to move forward united. We need to put the past behind us, and a large number of our members have asked for an opportunity to clear the air through a leadership election."
The party announced the results at 6:30 p.m. during a virtual address streamed on the UCP website and Kenney made his speech immediately after.
Before leaving the stage, Kenney congratulated his party on a balanced budget and said he delivered on 90 per cent of his promises as premier.
There were gasps in the rooms when Kenney resigned and Finance Minister Travis Toews told CTV News Calgary he was "surprised."
Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver confirmed the UCP will have a caucus meeting on Thursday and more about the future of the party could be announced afterwards.
"We knew it could be close and it could be controversial," said Conrad Van Hierden, a constituency association president. "I respect Jason's decision. We need to unite as a party and we need to find a leader that can do that cause right now we're divided."
"Honestly, I was shocked," said member Tarick Khan, although he applauded Kenney's resignation. "To fight against Notley, this was the best decision."
Exactly 34,298 members voted, party officials said, in a mail-in ballot process that began on April 9 as part of a virtual Special General Meeting.
Ballots were sent to nearly 60,000 eligible party members with the simple question: “Do you approve of the current leader? Yes or No?”
'I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST': TRUDEAU
Rival and UCP MLA Brian Jean thanked Kenney for his public service and "honourable concession."
"In the next several days I expect the party will announce a leadership race, and I intend to put my name forward," his statement said.
"My campaign will demonstrate how we can do things differently, together, to recapture the enthusiastic support of the over one million Albertans who elected us in 2019. I will speak more on these issues in the coming days."
NDP Leader Rachel Notley also thanked Kenney and said she'd have more to say Thursday.
"There are obviously many things about which we don’t agree, but that doesn’t negate the time and sacrifice that goes into taking on the role of premier," she tweeted.
"The work is never easy. The days are long and often difficult, as I’m sure today is. I wish Jason the best."
Some, including Jean and other UCP MLAs, complained about the process and cast doubts about whether or not the vote would be fair.
UCP officials said more than 14,000 people tuned in to a livestream of the vote verification, amid concerns surrounding legitimacy.
Kenney's 2017 leadership victory over Jean is still being probed by the RCMP.
Last week, correspondence obtained by The Canadian Press indicates Elections Alberta is investigating allegations of possible illegal bulk buying of party memberships in Wednesday's vote.
Kenney set his goal at 50 per cent, plus one, to stay on as leader.
According to the party's bylaws, he could have kept the job with a simple majority.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Chelan Skulski, CTV News Calgary's Tyson Fedor and The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.