It was an “unprecedented” clean sweep. All nine spots open on the UCP board were won Saturday by candidates endorsed by Take Back Alberta (TBA,) a conservative group founded by David Parker to challenge what it perceived as Alberta’s apathetic and “ruling elite,” that abused power to censor speech and restrict freedoms..About a year ago Parker, who was the regional organizer for Central Alberta on the 2017 Kenney leadership campaign, said the immediate priority was to oust Kenney whom he said had failed Albertans..That was the first in a “long series of steps” including ensuring the election of a UCP leader who would serve Albertans well said Parker, and electing pro-freedom candidates to the UCP board..Mission accomplished on all fronts, apparently..Now attention has turned to ensuring the NDP is defeated in the spring provincial election..Last May, party members voted for change by giving former premier Jason Kenney a 51.4% endorsement, leading to his resignation. Saturday’s message to party brass was stronger and decidedly more unified. Seven of the nine candidates, all new to the board, were elected in landslides at the UCP annual general meeting (AGM.).The membership resoundingly demanded better board representation to hold Premier Danielle Smith and MLAs accountable and committed to upholding their freedoms and values. Many members had long complained that their UCP board had been too subservient to the Kenney and his inner circle — bending rules and shutting them out — and not carrying out due diligence in holding them accountable to all the members they were elected to serve..But the often tersely worded responses dismissing their concerns — particularly about how some riding AGMs and nominations were conducted — continued..Saturday proved that the mood of the membership was underestimated by party officials. But, not by Take Back Alberta members who spent the better part of a year crisscrossing the province holding meetings in parking lots and halls, listening to and engaging with Albertans..“In the ten months since TBA’s creation, our members have been relentless in their pursuit of democracy. Those efforts came to fruition today,” reads a statement issued by TBA. “TBA members understand that freedom must be exercised, or it will be lost. Today’s victory goes to them. To those who are willing to do what is necessary. Those who sacrifice personal time and comfort for the betterment of their family, community, province, and country. Those who do what is right, not what is easy.”.David Parker, the founder and executive director of the grassroots movement, said TBA’s goal was to get endorsed members on the UCP board. “It was an integral part of the TBA strategy to replace that board and have more accountability and transparency from our party. And to make sure the board is not run by the leader, rather that the leader is accountable to them.”.“This is unprecedented. I’m not aware of any time in history where an outside group has won the entire board election of the party,” said Parker..The board, expected to meet within a month, must decide if nominations will be reopened in possibly three ridings where challengers to MLA incumbents said they weren’t given a fair shot..“The previous board engaged in unethical behaviour by disqualifying Tim Hoven and Jodie Gateman,” said Parker..Hoven was disqualified from challenging MLA Jason Nixon — former House Leader sent to the backbenches by Smith — for the nomination in Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre..Gateman was disqualified from challenging MLA Joseph Schow — whom Smith named House Leader — for the Cardston-Siksika nomination. Both potentially formidable opponents were barred from running, based on pathetically flimsy accusations that they expressed “extreme or hateful” views..During the leadership campaign, Smith promised to investigate the feasibility of reopening nominations, but understandably, has not yet commented further on the matter..Meanwhile, Parker said the mood at the AGM was buoyed by high expectations and renewed hope in the board. “About 300 people came up to me and thanked me and gave me hugs. It was glorious,” he said..So, who are the new board members? (Source: UCP website.). Mark HuntMark Hunt .Northern Director Mark Hunt.Government overreach during COVID-19 compelled the veteran who works in the oil and gas sector, to shift from apathy to political involvement. The violation of privacy and fundamental freedoms through the politicization of public health by “left-leaning parties and operators” who used the pandemic to advance Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Great Reset “cannot happen again,” said Hunt, who lives in Northeast Alberta..Hunt campaigned on government accountability, religious freedom, personal autonomy, and family values the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Bill of Rights guarantee. Provincial and personal sovereignty, repairing “damaged” AHS and education systems, protection Alberta’s children, and protecting farmers from government overreach are his priorities.. Vince ByfieldVince Byfield .Edmonton Director Vince Byfield.The devout Christian and son of the late, great Ted Byfield opted to focus on book publishing, rather than immerse himself in provincial politics..That is, until Alberta Christian pastors were thrown in jail for worshipping God in person — the only state or province to take such extreme measures during COVID-19..Byfield said that awakened him to the “serious state” of democracy in Alberta and has pledged to work to transform Edmonton’s political culture so that common sense conservative values are upheld..Central Director Abigail Schimke.Schimke, a lifelong conservative, has worked as the financial administrator for Emerge Church since 2011 and for Lighthouse Christian Academy since 2006..The Sylvan Lake resident advises the boards of the non-profits on financial matters..Schimke holds a business degree from the University of Calgary with a major in Human Resources..Calgary Director Peter Weichler.Camrose’s Weichler said he’ll work to shape policy and direction to nurture economic freedom for all Albertans..He holds a University of Alberta BA in political science and Canadian history and a graduate MBA degree in business..His financial career includes working for the Alberta government, major chartered banks as a commercial banker, and a financial advisor with national equity firms..He has also been a partner with a financial communications firm, and an investment banker and partner with a national divestiture firm..He said Alberta entrepreneurs “are the engine of prosperity for our province.”. Elbert Van HierdenElbert Van Hierden .Southern Director James (Elbert) Van Hierden.Lethbridge-area Christian farmer Van Hierden’s numerous business ventures over the years include being a former feedlot owner, real estate investment/development, custom farming, commodity logistics, construction projects, and manufacturing of sports equipment overseas..Van Hierden operates a poultry operation consisting of approximately 5000 laying hens..He and his wife Tanya are also the founders/owners of BDI Play Designs Inc., a commercial playground business which involves the design, distribution and installation of commercial playground/recreational equipment, spray parks, and Pour-In-Place rubber surfacing.. Samantha SteinkeSamantha Steinke .VP Communications Samantha Steinke.Steinke was elected to Vallyview town council in 2021. She has managed various political campaigns and is the constituency association president for Central Peace-Notley..This extremely well-connected strong advocate for conservative values has worked hard to build the conservative movement within the UCP. Steinke’s aim is to improve communication between all regions of the province..Her focus will be to unite the party and engage all members to ensure the UCP defeats the NDP in the May provincial election and “helps build Alberta to its fullest potential.”. Patrick MalkinPatrick Malkin .VP Membership Patrick Malkin.Red Deer’s Malkin’s business expertise lies in domestic and international markets and his peers hail him as “an extremely talented business professional.” He has served on the UCP constituency association board, most recently as president..Malkin’s goal is the strengthen the UCP executive board and expand the “tent pegs of the UCP even further across Alberta. ”. Ken EnglerKen Engler .VP Finance/CFO Ken Engler.The chartered accountant for almost 30 years promised to “ensure a solid financial and administrative landscape” for the premier and MLAs..His concerns about “the lack of transparency and accountability by governments” over the last 18 months “activated” his mission to get involved..Policy & Governance Ray Strom.Raymond Strom was raised in Southern Alberta’s Burdett in a family that embraced faith and politics..Strom said COVID-19 pressed both personal and collective resources to the limits — “much of this has been brought on by straying from foundational principles.”
