Jason Kenney: podcast appearances and interviews

Jason Thomas Kenney, born on May 30, 1968, is a Canadian politician who served as the 18th premier of Alberta from 2019 to 2022. He also led the United Conservative Party from 2017 until 2022 and was the member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Lougheed during that period. Kenney was the last leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party before its merger with the Wildrose Party to form the UCP. Prior to his provincial leadership, he held various cabinet positions under Prime Minister Stephen Harper from 2006 to 2015, including minister of employment and social development, minister for multiculturalism, and minister of national defence. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1997 as a representative of the Reform Party and was re-elected multiple times as a candidate for the Canadian Alliance and the Conservative Party of Canada. Kenney served as parliamentary secretary to the prime minister and was sworn into the Privy Council as the secretary of state for multiculturalism and Canadian identity. He announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Alberta PCs in 2017, resigned his parliamentary seat that year, and was elected party leader. Under his leadership, the UCP won a majority in the 2019 Alberta general election, defeating Rachel Notley's NDP government. His tenure faced criticism over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a leadership review in 2022. Although he received narrow support, Kenney announced his intention to step down as UCP leader, remaining in office as premier until his successor was chosen in October 2022.