United right is close, says MLA
Drew Barnes thinks 90 per cent of Wildrose members will vote to dissolve the party, while PC Leader Jason Kenney believes his members will handily do the same. Once dissolved, the plan is to form a new party called the United Conservative Party
The local Wildrose MLA believes the vote to dissolve his and the PC parties in order to form under a new banner will carry with 90 per cent in favour.
“Internal polling is showing that support is as high as 90 per cent for unity, and my prediction is 90 per cent in favour as well,” said Cypress-Medicine Hat’s Drew Barnes.
About 18,000 new PC party memberships were bought since May 18.
PC Leader Jason Kenney says the total estimated membership of the PC party is more than 50,000.
Barnes estimates Wildrose membership at about 40,000. Wildrose apparently sold 10,000 memberships in one week prior to its cutoff date.
How many of the new members in the parties are “conservative” in political ideology is unclear. There may be some who purchased a membership strictly to influence the vote.
“It is clear that some NDP supporters have joined the Wildrose and PC parties in order to vote “no” to the unity agreement,” said Jason Kenney.
Kenney believes a significant majority of those casting a ballot fully support the creation of a United Conservative Party.
“Wildrose members are optimistic that this vote will pass and we can restore a focus of political service for all Albertans, so families and communities can prosper,” said Barnes. “Wildrose members are looking forward to working with our PC partners to limit government, enhance local autonomy and fairness, and place oversight on government spending.”
The dissolution vote will take place starting July 20 and will culminate July 22. Voting will be done online and by telephone. For Wildrose members the vote can also be in person in Red Deer on July 22. To qualify you must have purchased a membership before the deadline.
The PC Party requires 50 per cent plus one vote in favour and the Wildrose requires 75 per cent in favour for it to pass.
An approved process for voting to ensure the integrity and security of the vote was established in June at a meeting by the board of directors. Members will register and receive a unique personal identification number that will be key to voting, said Kenney.
The News was unsuccessful in attempts to interview Wildrose Leader Brian Jean for this story.