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MLA Rosin backing Toews to replace Kenney as UCP leader

Banff-Kananaskis MLA Miranda Rosin is supporting Travis Toews as the next leader of the United Conservative Party.
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Banff-Kananaskis MLA Miranda Rosin. RMO file photo

BOW VALLEY – Banff-Kananaskis MLA Miranda Rosin is throwing her support behind UCP leadership contender Travis Toews.

Toews, who is the early frontrunner as candidate for the leader of the United Conservative Party to replace Premier Jason Kenney, has received endorsements from at least 23 MLAs to date, including Rosin and seven ministers.

Toews, who never disagreed publicly with Kenney and named Rosin in a press release as one of his supporters, said he’s extremely grateful for the support of his colleagues.

“As MLAs, the connection to our communities is critical in shaping the work of government, and I’m honoured that so many of my colleagues believe my leadership would benefit their constituencies,” he said.

Kenney announced his intention to step down as leader of the UCP in May following a narrow leadership win with only 51.4 per cent support. He is staying on as premier until a new leader is determined.

Toews, the MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti, has stepped down as finance minister during the leadership race. Brian Jean, Danielle Smith, Todd Loewen and Bill Rock are also vying for the top job.

Rosin, who was elected to represent Banff-Kananaskis in the 2019 provincial election, could not immediately be reached for comment. The Outlook will update the story when we hear back from her.

In a recent Facebook post, she said she was honoured to serve as an MLA in Kenney’s government.

“On a more personal note, as a young female in Conservative politics, he believed in me before anyone else did,” she wrote.

“For that, I will be forever grateful. At times we agreed, and at times we disagreed, but he always allowed space for my voice to be heard, considered, and valued.”

Rosin said Conservative members were all tired of feeling divided, adding that a 51.4 per cent vote for Kenney demonstrated that a stronger division existed than any of them were prepared to recognize.

“Now, with a renewed opportunity to unify around the common principles that unite us as conservatives: a thriving economy, compassion for our communities, limited government, and fiscal responsibility, I know that Alberta's best days are still ahead,” she wrote.

Last April, Rosin was one of 16 UCP MLAs to oppose public health restrictions in the fight against COVID-19. None of the MLAs who signed the letter were members of Kenney’s cabinet.

Rosin’s position drew swift rebuke from the municipalities of Canmore and Banff, which both fired off letters to the province.

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