'Hollow candidate with hollow goal': Jason Kenney's leadership bid draws mixed reaction

Conservative MP Jason Kenney says he wants to lead the Alberta Progressive Conservatives and unite voters on the right to stop the "accidental NDP government" in the next election.

The former federal cabinet minister says it's imperative that the Alberta Tories and Opposition Wildrose put past differences aside if they are to take back power from Rachel Notley's New Democrats.

The PCs have said they aren't keen to merge, while the Wildrose has said it would be happy to link up, but only under its banner and with leader Brian Jean calling the shots. Here is a roundup of the reaction to Kenney's announcement so far:

Rachel Notley, Alberta's NDP premier

Notley wouldn't be drawn into a direct comment on Kenney.

"However many conservative leaders and conservative parties may be involved in that (2019) election ... is less my concern than having a record that I am proud of, and proud to present to Albertans," she said.

"Certainly a lot of political watchers will find themselves some extra stuff to watch this summer, people even in my party, but for me personally as the premier,my focus is going to be solely on continuing the work that I've been elected to do."

Brian Jean, Wildrose leader

"As we have always said, we welcome all conservatives devoted to building unity. However, over the next year, the PC party will be involved in a divisive battle as they debate their stated pledge at their recent AGM to go it alone. It would be wrong to speculate further on the leadership race for the third party until this is resolved.

"Wildrose stands firm in its conservative identity, principles and membership based decision making. We will continue to build our party in every corner of Alberta, provide stability, give a forward looking vision for the province and strongly oppose the NDP government's risky agenda that is harming working families."

Katherine O'Neill, Alberta PC Party president

O'Neill said she expects other candidates will join the race.

"I can't talk about his candidacy, but what I can say is it will definitely bring a lot of interest back to the party and what the party's been up to since the election."

Troy Wason, Alberta PC Party executive director

Wason says Kenney throwing his hat in the ring will spark a debate about what it means to be conservative in Alberta.

"It will be up to the membership to decide what does that look like. So when other candidates come out they will have their vision. So this is just one vision. So that's what it means today is that it starts the talk."

Wason points out Kenney isn't an official contender for the leadership until the race begins in October and Elections Alberta signs off on his candidacy.

Sandra Jansen, MLA for Calgary-North West

"If you look at the comments he has made [on abortion, LGBTQ and education issues] are concerning for a lot of folks who are socially progressive like myself," said Jansen, who famously threatened to quit if Kenney becomes PC leader.

"He's running to be the leader of a party he's trying to dismantle. It's an interesting strategy one that I will fight with a lot of people to make sure he's not successful at

"He's not reaching out to any folks I know to have a talk about shared values, and when the only thing you stand for is an attempt to regain government, then you are a pretty hollow candidate with a pretty hollow goal."

Jansen said she doesn't think she's going to have to quit the party because she doesn't think "he's going to be successful in dismantling the PC Party."

As for a decision to run against him, she says she's "still thinking about it" and will decide only after consulting with her family, her constituents and the PC membership.

Rona Ambrose, Leader of the Official Opposition

"As Jason embarks on this new challenge, I know he has the best interests of Albertans in his heart. Jason is a steadfast defender of conservative principles, a proud Albertan, a tireless campaigner and a fighter for ordinary Canadians from all walks of life. More than that, he is a trusted friend and a valued member of the federal Conservative caucus and team.

"On behalf of all federal Conservatives, I wish him and all Alberta conservatives nothing but the best in the days ahead. I encourage all conservatives to work together to forge a united path to victory."

Danielle Smith, former Wildrose leader

"It's going to be an uphill battle for him ... because of some of the positions that he has taken on conservative social issues in the past," said Smith, who is now a radio host.

"There has to be a fundamental recognition that Calgary and Edmonton are far more progressive on social issues than the rural areas."

"The question will be: did he say enough in his speech to satisfy the traditional Progressive Conservative members? Those are the ones he's got to win over if he's going to win this leadership contest."

Smith says while he gave a barnbuster of a speech today, it appeared that his audience was the Wildrose.

"All of the hot button issues that he hit, whether it was fiscal issues, whether it was the carbon tax, whether it was changes to the education curriculum, whether it was legislation that's impacting our farmers ... those are the issues that the Wildrose has taken a very strong lead on."

Smith puts Kenney's chances at winning the leadership at 50-50. She says the PCs new delegate system for the vote will be a challenge for him.

Michelle Rempel, Conservative MP

Rempel questioned whether uniting the right will be easy in Alberta.

"It's not going to be a walk in the park all the time," she said. "There are concerns, there are personalities, but my hope is Albertans put that aside and unite.

"I think this was a spark today."

Rob Anderson

A former Wildrose MLA who followed Danielle Smith to the PCs, Rob Anderson is keen to see Alberta's right unite and believes Kenney is the right person to do it.

Anderson, who crossed from the Tories to the Wildrose and back again, said the ground is more fertile for a merger now than it was in 2014.

"When you stare socialism in the face for a year, it kind of wakes you up," he said.

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