The days of focusing on the power of “blue truck politicians” are over, says Independent MLA Todd Loewen, as he launched his leadership campaign to be the head of the United Conservative Party (UCP)..It’s time to put blue truck Albertans “front and center,” said the Independent MLA for Central Peace-Notley who officially kicked off his campaign Tuesday..“There's been a lot of talk about blue truck politicians. But it’s time we had a leadership campaign about blue truck Albertans,” said Loewen..“By that I mean the everyday Albertans who go to work to provide for their families and grow their community…Let's take the politicians of the spotlight and put those people front and centre.”.”When I spoke out against the government last year, it was because I believed our political system and the larger discussion in Alberta required balance.”.“Certain voices were being ignored. The suffering of too many was not reaching the legislature. And ultimately, the sacred trust between citizens and government was being broken.”."Regardless of political stripe, I believe there are things about Albertans character that unite all of us. First, we want government to get to work quietly and diligently.".Premier Jason Kenney, who campaigned his way to victory across Alberta in a blue pickup truck, announced May 18 that he would resign after earning only 51.4% in a UCP leadership review. .The grassroots who long felt shut out and ignored abandoned him..Loewen, with his family behind him, launched his campaign at the Crabbie Goat Distillery in his hometown of Vallyview..“Alberta's been good to me. And I'm here today to announce that I intend to become the next premier of Alberta so that I can give something back,” he said. .Loewen, who was first elected in 2015 under the Wildrose Party banner, said he entered politics to “give a voice to the people I represented, to stand firm in my principlevalues and to promote ideas that I thought would make Alberta a better place.”.“I want to assure you that my heart is still in that same place,” he said..Albertans who work hard and pay taxes “expect the same level of efficiency and professionalism” from government..“Alberta had some challenges behind us that were not handled properly.”.And challenges lie ahead..“It isn't going to be an easy ride.”.“Things change slowly. Together, I believe we Albertans can demand better.”.Loewen vowed to get back to the “fundamentals of accountable government” and “get big influences out of politics.”.His will be a movement for the working and middle class defined by “justice, liberty, and resilience,” he said..“As the old joke goes, 90 politicians give the other 10% a bad name. So, let's break that. Let's turn politics back over to those blue truck Albertans and their families.”.In May 2021 Loewen posted a letter on Facebook calling on Kenney to resign..Loewen predicted that Kenney could not survive to lead the UCP into the 2023 election due to his unpopularity,because he had lost the trust of the electorate who perceived the government “as out-of-touch and arrogant.”.In a secret vote the following day Loewen was expelledfrom UCP caucus along with fellow Kenney critic Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes..Meanwhile, earlier Tuesday Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Leela Aheer announced she is running for the leadership..Former Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews officially kicked off his leadership campaign Saturday.The UCP MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti, part of Kenney’s inner circle, is backed by 23 of the 63 UCP MLAS. .Amisk Mayor Bill Rock also filed paperwork with Elections Alberta last week..Former Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith and MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche Brian Jean have filed paperwork with Elections Alberta. Both are former Wildrose Party leaders..Kenney said he’ll stay on as premier until his replacement is chosen..A 12-member leadership election hasn’t released details of the race, including when the election will be held.
