Rally calls for Jason Kenney to condemn far-right extremism

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – We are nearing the end of the second week of the election campaign in Alberta.

The latest polls show the United Conservatives clearly ahead of the NDP and the other parties. The party has been able to keep that lead even through controversy.

There is a rally Thursday night in Calgary about extremism and the UCP.

Two candidates have already stepped down for espousing that kind of ideology, but they are still in the United Conservative Party.

Amir Sharar is one of the organizers of the Rally to demand a Hate-Free Alberta. He argues progressive conservatives like himself, are concerned with the direction of the UCP.

“Whereas a lot of people are realizing this is the Wildrose 2.0 and we are seeing a lot more of the far-right leaning opinions delving into this party.”

Sharar would like to see Jason Kenney separate himself from alt-right ideas.

“When he refuses to dismiss people from the party for propagating propaganda that effects minorities, that inaction emboldens people and legitimizes their perspectives to an extent.”

Sharar believes this is meant as an opportunity for Jason Kenney to separate himself from far-right ideas that have popped up.

“I think people are more focused on the economy and other things, but the reality is Jason Kenney has nothing to lose by speaking out against extremism.”

Mount Royal University Political Scientist Duane Bratt said there have been times in the past where conservative parties have been hit hard by social issues, but this is a different race.

“Given the economic turmoil over the last four years, I think the economic issues are trumping the social issues right now.”

He also noted there is no real split on the right, so there is not a lot of options for progressive conservatives.

“If you are focused on jobs, pipelines, and anti-carbon tax, you are going to hold your nose and vote for him.”

With files from City News