Alberta UCP Leadership Candidates Discuss Unity, Alberta-Ottawa Relations in First Debate

United Conservative Party of Alberta leadership candidates (L–R) Todd Loewen, Danielle Smith, Rajan Sawhney, Rebecca Schulz, Leela Aheer, Travis Toews, and Brian Jean attend the party leadership candidates' debate in Medicine Hat, Alta., on July 27, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta leadership candidate Danielle Smith defended her prospective sovereignty act and past comments she made about cancer during the first UCP leadership debate on July 27.

All seven candidates participated in the debate, which was live-streamed from a helicopter hangar in Medicine Hat. The debate covered such issues as protecting the environment, maintaining party unity, and navigating Alberta’s relationship with the federal government.