Tories unveil a transparent, fair process to pick the next Leader

July 2nd, 2008


FREDERICTON - Co-Chairs Margaret-Ann Blaney and Elvy Robichaud unveil the rules that will govern the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick’s 2008 Leadership Convention.

“A top priority for the Party and for Elvy and me, as co-chairs, is to provide a fair, unbiased process to choose our next leader,” said Blaney. “The October 18th event is an important one for our Party and its membership.”

Robichaud stressed the importance of a fair leadership process.

“We want to be up front about details,” Robichaud said. “We want our party to be accountable, provide a fair process and a proper forum for a healthy leadership race. Our Leadership Convention Rules Committee has drafted and approved a very comprehensive set of rules to govern the process.”

To become a leadership candidate, the party member will have to fulfill requirements, including the submission of a notice of intention and filling fee, the signature of a pledge to accept the Choice of the Convention, the Aims and Principles of the Party and that the Constitution of the Party and convention Rules will be respected. Leadership hopefuls will have until October 1st, 2008 at 5 p.m. to meet the requirements.

“Key values such as transparency, fairness and democracy will guide our actions during the Convention and the months leading to the convention,” Blaney said.

A package including details on the convention and registration information will be provided to party members and media outlets. A small fee will be charged to members to help cover the cost of the convention.

Later in July, the party will be announcing the dates and locations of social gatherings with candidates and members.

“We have set forth a fair process, a process allowing the healthy discussion we need to choose the leader our Party members want, and the Premier our province needs,” added Robichaud.

For the convention, four satellite voting locations will be set up. The main location will be located at the University of New Brunswick’s Aitken Centre in Fredericton. The party will use the one-member, one-vote system to choose its leader.

MEDIA CONTACT: Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick, 506-453-3456.