Jason Kenney to run in 2019 election regardless of merger outcome

Alberta's new Progressive Conservative leader Jason Kenney says he will run for a seat in the 2019 provincial election, even if he loses the leadership race for a new Alberta conservative party or if a merger with the Wildrosefails.

"Mycommitmentis to get the ball rolling on unity. I'm hoping if we get a united, free enterprise party, we can attract some really talented people seeking its leadership, offering themselves for service,"Kenneytold Alberta@Noon Wednesday.

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"If somebody else is chosen for that united party, they will have mytotal enthusiastic support," he added.

The former Calgary Midnapore MP said the concept of a united right will only work if people are willing to dump the egos,labels and brands that have divided Alberta politics.

Either way,Kenneysaid his intention is to run in the 2019 election.

Kenney isn't currently an Alberta MLA, and has said he doesn't intend to ask any of the remaining PCMLAsto resign so he can run for a seat in the legislature at this time.

No provincial sales tax in Alberta

In his interview with CBC Radio, Kenney also said he wouldn't support a provincial sales tax in Alberta.

"I don't think we have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem," he said.

"Why would we look at imposing additional taxes on people especially during a recession, when we are clearly overspending?" Kenney added.

On Wednesday, in its latest budget, the Saskatchewan government expanded and raised its provincial sales tax from five to sixper cent. The government said that and other measures would bring in an additional $900 million in tax revenue to the province.

But in Alberta, Premier Rachel Notleysaid on Monday her government wouldn't bringin a provincial sales taxwithout first seeking a mandate from voters.

With files from Alberta@Noon