MLA Drew Barnes speaks with attendees to a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Towne Square in downtown Medicine Hat on Tuesday. The three-term independent member of the legislature told the News he is contemplating whether to run for the United Conservative Party leadership.--News photo Collin Gallant
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Drew Barnes is considering his position in the United Conservative Party leadership race, including the potential to mount his own campaign to become leader and thereby premier.
The party released rules Tuesday for the contest to replace Jason Kenney, and now the race has grown to at least eight since the outgoing premier announced last month he would step down once a new leader is chosen.
Barnes – who placed second to lead the Wildrose Party in 2015 – told the News on Tuesday he is evaluating his options, whether and whom to support in the vote that concludes in October, or to run himself.
“I’m going to be making a decision in the next couple days,” said the independent MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat on Tuesday as the rules for the race were released.
“Now that the rules are out it’s time to ask (constituents) what’s best… that’s a leadership bid, or who we’ll support. Most importantly are what values are we talking about.
“So far, I’m disappointed that the leadership candidates haven’t put out that much.”
To get on the ballot, a candidate would have to pay a $150,000 fee, plus a good faith bond, and maybe raise the same amount to run an effective campaign.
Barnes said financial requirements will stifle debate and competition.
He said the immediate issue is the return of substantial oilfield royalties to a budget that’s been far in deficit over the past few years.
“I haven’t seen any candidates talk about that, and that would be my focus,” said Barnes, returning to his position to eliminate small business taxes.
His initial thought on the oil bonanza and potential surplus would be to take about $6 billion, which would be the theoretical proceeds of a sales tax, and keep that amount in the operating budget. The remainder of royalties would be hived off to either a debt sinking fund or for deposit in the Heritage Trust Fund.
The race to become the next leader is becoming crowded, and includes former finance minister Travis Toews as the first cabinet minister to step down when he announced his leadership bid. This week he was joined by Transportation Minister Rajan Sawney and Children Services Minister Rebecca Schulz, both of whom also stepped away from cabinet.
Former cabinet minister Leela Aheer, former Wildrose leader Brian Jean – who beat Barnes in the race to replace Danielle Smith as Wildrose leader following her floor crossing to the Progressive Conservative government – and Smith herself are in the race.
Todd Loewen, who like Barnes sits as an independent after being removed by a caucus vote after criticizing Kenney, will also run, along with Amisk, Alta. mayor Bill Rock.
