Back on Track: Schulz announces bid for UCP Leadership

Calgary Shaw and Former Minister of Children Services Rebecca Schulz has made it official she is in the hunt to be the next leader of the United Conservative Party of Alberta.

Schulz who was first elected in 2019, made the announcement in her home riding of Calgary Shaw with about 50 supporters in attendance.

"I'm pleased to announce that I'm running for the leadership of the United Conservative Party," Schulz said to applause.

In her opening remarks of the campaign, Schulz said that she is committed to getting the party back on track, the province back on track, and ensuring the party wins in 2023, "I'm committing to you right now, that I will knock on 1000's of doors in every single riding right across this province, I will make countless phone calls.

"I will do everything possible to make sure that this province does not go backwards with the NDP," Schulz added.

The Calgary-Shaw MLA said that she believes that the fight to win is essential because, "(Alberta) is absolutely the best province in our country to live, to work, and to raise a family."

Prior to entering politics in Alberta, Schulz worked in Saskatchewan under Premier Brad Wall.

When pressed about her being at the cabinet table and now wanting to get the province back on track, Schulz said that she is proud to be part of the UCP team, " I'm proud to be part of this team that has really driven the economic recovery in this province.

"I do have a different approach, and I think most of my colleagues who have worked with me would know that I do have a unique approach," She added.

"I'm transparent, I take accountability, and I also believe in being real. I think Albertans want to see themselves, they want humility, they want humanity, and they want a government that is just like them," Schulz stated

She later added that the party has to have one goal after the leadership race, "We may have differences of opinions, but at the end of the day we have to come together at the end of the day and focus on the common goal - for us and this party that is defeating the NDP in the next election."

Ward 13 Councillor introduces Schulz

Calgary Ward 13 Councillor Dan McLean was on hand to introduce the MLA at the event. McLean has known Schulz since before the last election when he and Schulz ran against each other for the UCP nomination in the riding of Calgary Hays.

McLean says that Schulz is a hard worker, "(During that Nomination Election) I would be out on the doors I would see Rebecca as well. She would make tons of phone calls and built up an incredible team of volunteers.

"She knows how to win, She is one the hardest working people I know," McLean added.

Along side McLean, In attendance were MLA Jeremy Nixon, Jason Copping, and Michaela Frey were there behind the Schulz was giving her speech.

In the crowd, a few other MLAs were in attendance including Ric McIver, and Nicholas Miliken