UCP Governance Training Course

Work through the modules in order, or pick the track that fits your role. Each module opens with learning objectives and ends with a short knowledge check. When you're ready, take the final exam, which draws 40 questions at random from the full bank. Score 80% or better to receive a completion record you can print.

Recommended tracks

● required · ○ recommended

• 1Foundations
• 2Meetings and Robert's Rules
• 3Membership and voting
• 4Code of Conduct and discipline

• 5The provincial Board
• 6Regions and regional directors
• 7CAs: formation and general meetings
• 8CAs: running the board

• 9Choosing election candidates
• 10The Leader
• 11Disputes and arbitration

• 12Money and committees
• 13The AGM and changing the rules
• 14Provincial board elections
• 15The Member Policy Declaration

• 16Gaps and inconsistencies
• 17Getting involved, and glossary
• ★Final exam

Two bodies, one organization

The United Conservative Association (the "Association" or "UCA") is a society incorporated under Alberta's Societies Act. It is "conjoined" with the United Conservative Party of Alberta, the political party registered with Elections Alberta Bylaws 1.1–1.3. Every Association member is automatically a Party member 4.2.

Why two bodies? A society can own property, sign contracts, hire staff and hold meetings under a well-understood law. A registered party is what can accept political contributions, issue tax receipts and run candidates. Joining them gives the party both sets of powers.

The Association's objects are to build and maintain a party that forms the Government of Alberta and advances principles approved by members, and to do anything incidental to that 2.1.

The laws that sit above the party

Societies Act

Governs the Association as a society, including how bylaws are changed (by special resolution) Bylaws 3.1.1, 14.1.

EFCDA

The Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act. Governs contributions, receipts, spending, borrowing and financial reporting for the Party and its constituency associations 3.1.10, 6.1.

Election Act

Sets who is eligible to be a candidate CSR 5.2. A CA's CFO is its "financial agent" under the Act CA Rules 8.16.

Privacy law

Applies to membership lists, which CAs may use only for membership and outreach, under a signed non-disclosure agreement Bylaws 4.10–4.11.

Which document wins

Several documents state the hierarchy directly. The CA Rules say "the Bylaws shall prevail" CA Rules 9.2, and the Board Election Rules say the same Election Rules 13.1.

What's in the Governance Manual

The Governance Manual is a Constitutional Document that members must ratify Bylaws 10.1.2. It holds six chapters:

• Standing Committee List: the committees the Board must maintain (Module 12)
• Rules Governing Constituency Associations: how CAs form, meet and run (Modules 7–8)
• Leadership Review and Selection Rules (Module 10)
• Code of Conduct (Module 4)
• General Dispute Resolution Process (Module 11)
• Candidate Selection Rules and Procedures (Module 9)

Where authority sits

• Members hold authority and govern through general meetings 8.1–8.2.
• The Board governs between general meetings 8.3. Only the Board can grant anyone authority to act for the Association or Party 8.5.
• Constituency associations are "the primary way Members exercise their rights within the Party." Each is controlled by its members and governed by its own board 9.3.
• The Leader is the chief public official 12.1. Candidates and MLAs represent the party publicly and are bound by a Code of Conduct 12.2.

When Robert's Rules apply

The Board may adopt its own rules of order for general meetings, Board meetings and committees. If it hasn't, Robert's Rules of Order apply. Either way, the Bylaws and Constitutional Documents win any conflict Bylaws 13.1–13.2. CA boards can adopt standing rules of order, with Robert's Rules filling the gaps CA Rules 9.1.

So the order of precedence at any meeting is: law, then the Bylaws, then the Governance Manual and other party rules, then any adopted rules of order, then Robert's Rules.

The life of a motion

1. Move it. A member is recognized by the chair and states the motion: "I move that…"
2. Second it. Another member seconds, showing at least two people want it discussed.
3. The chair states it. The motion now belongs to the meeting.
4. Debate and amend. Members speak in turn. An amendment changes the wording and is debated and voted on before the main motion.
5. Vote. The chair puts the question and announces the result.

Voting thresholds you'll meet in this course

Useful procedural tools

Point of order

Raised when you believe the rules are being broken. The chair rules on it immediately.

Point of information

A question to the chair or speaker about facts relevant to the debate.

Call the question

A motion to end debate and vote now. Under Robert's Rules it needs a two-thirds vote.

Table / postpone

Sets a motion aside, either temporarily or to a set time.

Appeal the chair

Asks the meeting to overrule the chair's ruling, by majority vote.

In camera

A closed session. Note that a CA board may not pass a motion in camera CA Rules 8.15.

Casting vote

The provincial Board chair breaks a tie Bylaws 11.4. A CA president votes only to break a tie and may decline, in which case the motion fails CA Rules 8.14.

Electronic decisions

• Provincial Board meetings may be held by telephone conference Bylaws 11.6. Email motions are allowed if voting stays open at least 24 hours 11.8.
• CA board meetings may be in person, by phone, video or online, as long as everyone can hear each other CA Rules 8.11. A written or electronic resolution passes with a majority of votes cast, if voting stays open at least 48 hours and quorum is reached. The Secretary records it with proof of transmission 8.4.

Who can be a member Bylaws 4.1

1. A Canadian citizen who lives in Alberta, or has lived here at least 6 of the previous 12 months
2. At least 14 years old
3. Has personally authorized the membership application
4. Supports the Association's principles
5. Has paid the fee personally, or through a spouse, child or parent

A member is in "good standing" when they meet these requirements, regardless of how long staff take to process the application 4.8. Under the Membership Rules, a regular membership is effective when the Party receives the application Membership Rule 12.

Fees and payment Membership Rules 15–17

• Cash is not accepted.
• One person's credit card or cheque may pay for immediate family (spouse, child or parent) in the same household. If that payment exceeds $50, it is treated as a contribution and must be receipted.
• The Board can grant honourary or lifetime memberships for distinguished service Rule 6.
• A membership renewed within 90 days of lapsing is treated as continuous Rule 5.
• A member may resign by written notice Bylaws 4.9.

Who must be a member Membership Rule 4

The Leader, Board members, CA board members, caucus members, party officers, committee members, leadership and nomination contestants, and nominated candidates must all hold a current membership.

Voting rights

• Members may attend, vote and stand for the Board at AGMs and SGMs after paying the registration fee Bylaws 4.7.1, and may seek CA board seats 4.7.2.
• To vote, you must have been in good standing at least 21 days before the vote 4.7.3.
• At provincial general meetings, voting is in person 5.3.

Membership data

The Executive Director keeps the membership list, including each member's contact details and constituency. CAs may use it for membership management and outreach, subject to privacy law Bylaws 4.10. Anyone who gets access must first sign a non-disclosure agreement; CA presidents are responsible for collecting NDAs at the CA level 4.11. CA officers' contact details may be shared among CA officers at a CA president's request 4.11.1; CA Rules 7.10.

Suspension and revocation

The Board may create policies for suspending and revoking memberships, with "a transparent process for member appeal" Bylaws 4.5. Under the Membership Rules:

1. Decision. The Executive Director may suspend or revoke a membership for Cause. During an election campaign, the Leader may Rules 7–8.
2. Notice. The member is told and informed the decision will be reviewed. The Board is notified immediately Rule 9.
3. 48-hour review. A Code of Conduct Committee confirms or overturns the decision within 48 hours of the member being notified Rule 10.
4. Board. If confirmed, the member may apply to the Board to set the revocation aside Rule 10.
5. Reinstatement. A revoked member who is otherwise eligible may apply to the Board for reinstatement once per calendar year. The Board's decision is final Rule 11.

"Cause" includes

Not meeting Bylaw 4.1; unethical conduct; proven engagement in activities or groups that promote hatred or violence; any act or omission that harms the Party or a member or brings the Party into disrepute Rule 2(c).

"Cause" excludes

Reasonable adversarial debate or respectful disagreement on issues Rule 2(c).

Who the Code applies to Code 1

Party Board members and their committee members; CA board and committee members; candidates; nomination contestants; leadership contestants; caucus members; party employees and staff; and anyone who agrees to be bound.

The eight standards Code 2

Confidentiality Code 3

Staff, Board members and committee members who can access member data or internal information must sign a non-disclosure agreement. The NDA includes consent to receive internal party communications for education, training or guidance related to their duties 3.1.1. CA directors must also sign neutrality and confidentiality documents before their first board meeting, or their election is void CA Rules 7.6.

Conflicts of interest Code 4; Bylaws 8.6

A conflict exists when your personal, financial or business interests, or your use of influence, could conflict with your obligations to the Party. Board members, committee members and candidates must voluntarily disclose actual or potential conflicts, including those arising because an immediate family member, relative, partner, client or employer could benefit from their decisions. Under the Bylaws, a provincial director with a direct or indirect interest, including a spouse's or child's, must disclose it and may not vote on the matter.

Disclosure of affiliations

• Provincial directors and officers must disclose political or foreign affiliations to the UCP President. Candidates for those positions disclose them when applying Bylaws 7.17.
• CA directors and candidates must immediately disclose affiliations with domestic or foreign political entities, other parties, or foreign public interest organizations to the CA executive CA Rules 7.11.

How a Code complaint is handled Code 5

1. Try locally. A member who reasonably believes there's been a breach, and hasn't resolved it at the CA board, reports it in writing to the Executive Director.
2. Screening. The Executive Director decides whether the conduct, if true, would breach the Code, and whether there's enough evidence to investigate. A trivial or meritless report can be dismissed with written reasons, and the complainant can appeal to the Arbitration Committee.
3. Referral. If the complaint merits adjudication, the Executive Director gives the Board a written summary with all documents, and the Board refers it to the Arbitration Committee under the dispute resolution process.
4. Decision. If the Arbitration Committee finds a breach, it may impose advice and direction, a reprimand, censure, suspension of membership for up to one year, or revocation. It must also consider the remedies the complainant asked for.

A suspended or revoked person can't hold or seek any party position, sit on a party or CA board or committee, run as a nomination contestant, candidate or leadership candidate, serve in caucus, or volunteer for the party 5.6. If the Executive Director is the person accused, the Board Secretary takes over the Executive Director's role, and can't sit on the Arbitration Committee for it 6.2.

Composition Bylaws 7.2–7.5

The current members are listed on the party's governance page. Directors are volunteers, reimbursed for reasonable expenses under Board policy 7.1.

Terms, vacancies and removal

• Term: until the end of the second AGM after election or acclamation 7.6. Elections are staggered, so about half the seats are filled each year. The bylaws set no term limit.
• Vacancies: the Board may appoint a replacement for the rest of the term, except for the Leader and caucus seats 7.9.
• Removal: any director or officer except the Leader can be removed by two-thirds of Board members present and voting at a meeting called for that purpose 7.8.

Powers of the Board 7.10

• Promote the Association's objects
• Set governance policies for the Association, the Party, the legacy parties and CAs
• Hire the Executive Director and set their pay
• Protect the Association's assets
• Approve the annual budget and keep proper financial records
• Delegate powers to the Executive Director
• Set membership fees and suspension policy 4.4–4.5, create committees 9.1, call general meetings 5.2, 5.7, and adopt rules of order 13.1

Officers' duties

President

Principal officer. Chairs AGMs, SGMs and Board meetings, or appoints a designate 7.11. Receives directors' affiliation disclosures 7.17 and Notices of Dispute GDRP 3.1.

CFO (Treasurer)

Chief financial officer. Oversees financial statements, budgets, records and legally required reports 7.12. Chairs the Finance Committee.

Secretary

Keeps minutes and non-financial records; registers the Association and its bylaws with the Registrar 7.13. After each AGM, consolidates passed amendments with the Policy & Governance Committee. Changes must be non-substantive and can't alter a submitter's intent, and a submitter can appeal through the dispute process 7.13.4.

Vice-Presidents

Manage their assigned area 7.14, chair the matching committee, and report to each AGM 5.6.5.

Regional Directors

Help CAs in their region comply with the EFCDA and other laws 7.15 (see Module 6).

Caucus members

Liaise between the Board and caucus 7.16.

Board meetings Art. 11

Director duties and protections

• Fiduciary duty: act "honestly and with a view to the best interests" of the Association 8.4.
• Conflicts: disclose any direct or indirect interest, including a spouse's or child's, and don't vote on it 8.6.
• Affiliations: disclose political or foreign affiliations to the President 7.17.
• Records: minutes are kept for general, Board and committee meetings, and any CA president may inspect records on written request 6.5.
• Protection: volunteers, employees, directors and committee members acting within their authority aren't liable for the Association's debts. The Association may indemnify them and buy insurance 8.7.

Alberta is divided into five regions, each with two regional directors: Edmonton; Calgary; northern Alberta outside Edmonton; central Alberta; and southern Alberta outside Calgary Bylaws 7.2.9. A regional director must live in the region and is elected only by members who live there 7.3.

Everything the rules ask of regional directors

Regions elsewhere in the rules

• Leadership contestants need 100 signatures from each region Leadership Rules 4.14.8, and the Leadership Election Committee needs a voting member from each region 4.8.2.
• The Policy & Governance Committee needs at least two members from each region Standing Committee List 5.2. Youth Engagement needs at least one 10.
• The Arbitration Committee needs a member from each region, and CAs in each region may nominate three candidates GDRP 8.2.2. Dispute panel members can't come from the region where the dispute arose GDRP 6.

Which constituencies are in each region

From Schedule A of the 2026 Board Election Rules. Open a region to see its ridings. The party also publishes a director regions map.

Key definitions CA Rules 2

Constituency

A provincial electoral division set by Elections Alberta.

Constituency Member

A party member who lives in the constituency.

Officer

A CA director who is the President, Secretary, CFO or a recognized Vice-President.

Inactive CA

A CA with no board.

Deregistered CA

A CA deregistered under law and not re-registered within 90 days.

Status Change

Recognition of a new CA, or an event that makes a CA deregistered or inactive.

What a CA is for CA Rules 3

Support the party's principles; engage residents and members; help nominate and elect a UCP MLA; support the candidate organizationally and financially; sustain policy and governance discussion; and meet the obligations of recognition.

Recognition and revocation CA Rules 4

If no CA is recognized for a constituency, any five constituency members may apply. If the Party approves, it applies to Elections Alberta to register the CA. The Party can seek to revoke recognition only after it has:

1. Fully documented its reasons
2. Successfully defended the CA's appeal before the Arbitration Committee
3. Signed an agreement with the CA, which the CA can't unreasonably refuse, to transfer its funds to the Party in trust for the constituency's members. Those funds go to the next recognized CA.

The founding meeting CA Rules 5

• Held within three months of a Status Change. The CA board sets the date, or the UCA Board or its designate if there's no CA board.
• At least 21 days' notice by email and phone, and posted on the party website.
• Elects, by secret ballot, a President, Secretary and CFO, plus up to 27 more directors. Also receives reports, reviews the budget, membership and communication plans, and authorizes EFCDA registration.
• Voters need 21 days in good standing 5.4.

General meetings CA Rules 6

Order of elections at a CA AGM CA Rules 6.5

1. President. Nominations from the floor; each candidate speaks up to 2 minutes; ballots counted and announced immediately. Losing candidates may run for another office.
2. CFO. Same procedure. Losing candidates may run for Secretary or director.
3. Secretary. Same procedure. Losing candidates may run for director.
4. Directors. Up to 27. If more than 27 stand, each speaks up to 1 minute.

Before notice goes out, the board may decide that up to seven members will be elected directly as Vice-Presidents instead of at-large directors 6.5.2. The AGM also receives detailed reports from the President, Secretary and CFO, and reviews the budget and plans.

On the day General Meeting Rules

• Every effort is made to have party staff act as returning officer, assisted if needed by the regional director GM Rule 5.
• Before leaving, the returning officer gives the CA president a written copy of the results. The provincial board recommends marking one copy of the ballot VOID and marking the winners on it GM Rule 7.

Who can sit on a CA board CA Rules 7

• Any member may stand for director at a general meeting and is entitled to speak 7.1.
• No more than 30 directors. One director may be a non-resident member for every five directors or part of five, up to six 7.2.
• A sitting UCP MLA and the nominated candidate are ex officio, non-voting members who don't count toward the 30 7.3.
• Immediate family (spouse, common-law partner, sibling, child or parent) of the riding's MLA, candidate or a nomination contestant can't be directors 7.8.
• Registered lobbyists on the Alberta Lobbyist Registry can't hold any CA board position 7.9.
• A director who wants to be the candidate must take leave or resign as soon as they declare 7.7.

Duties of CA directors

• Fiduciary duty to constituency members as a whole 7.4
• The care, diligence and skill of a reasonably prudent person 7.5. Resolution 2026-195 would add "the responsibility to know and understand the Party's Bylaws and Governance Manual."
• Sign the neutrality and confidentiality documents before the first board meeting after election, or the election is void 7.6
• Disclose affiliations with other parties, political entities or foreign public interest organizations immediately 7.11
• Comply with the law, the Bylaws and the CA Rules 8.2. No director may act for the board without authority 8.5.

First board meeting after an election 8.6

Right after any meeting that elects directors, the board meets to pass a motion delegating signing authority, and may elect up to seven Vice-Presidents by secret ballot, with terms to the next AGM.

Board meetings

Standing agenda 8.12

Each meeting should cover party activities, the CA's finances, fundraising plans and results, membership and growth plans, the MLA's or candidate's activity, and brief reports from officers and committee chairs.

Minutes 8.13

The Secretary keeps brief minutes recording every motion, how it was voted on, and the votes for, against and abstaining. A director may ask to have their own vote recorded.

Officers 8.16

President

Presides at board meetings; ex officio voting member of every committee except the Local Candidate Nomination Committee; oversees management and administration.

Secretary

Custodian of all non-financial records; prepares and keeps minutes; calls meetings at the President's direction.

CFO

Administers financial transactions and is the CA's "financial agent" under Alberta election law. This is a legal role with personal responsibility for compliance.

Vice-Presidents

Duties tied to their function, plus anything assigned by the board or President.

Committees, vacancies and removal

• Committees: for each one, the board sets terms of reference, names members and the chair, sets reporting requirements, and delegates any authority "with clarity and specificity" 8.17.
• Vacancies: filled by majority secret ballot 8.18.
• Absence: a director who misses three consecutive meetings can be removed by majority secret ballot of those present 8.19.
• Misconduct: a director or officer whose conduct is improper, unbecoming or likely to harm the CA's or Party's interests can be removed by a two-thirds secret ballot of all directors 8.20.
• Notice of any removal motion must be emailed to all directors at least 7 days ahead 8.21.

Changing the CA Rules CA Rules 11

A CA can't change the CA Rules itself. In special circumstances it can apply to the Party Board for a written waiver. The Party Board may also make temporary amendments for legal compliance or unforeseen circumstances. Those last until the next AGM ratifies, amends or rejects them, and bind CAs only after members are emailed and the change is posted on the website.

Directors acting within their authority and the CA Rules aren't personally liable for the CA's debts, and the CA must indemnify them CA Rules 10.

The Candidate Selection Rules govern how each riding chooses its UCP candidate for a provincial election. CAs must follow them and must give the chosen candidate organizational and financial support CSR Preamble.

The committees

LCNC

The Local Candidate Nomination Committee, appointed by the CA board: three CA board members, up to two other CA members, and the Executive Director or designate. It picks its own chair; quorum is half its members. Each member signs a waiver pledging confidentiality and neutrality and promising not to become a contestant CSR 3.

PCSC

The Provincial Candidate Selection Committee: ten members, five of them provincial directors and five not. It administers the rules and the Code of Conduct as they apply to candidate selection Standing Committee List 4.

Opening a contest CSR 4

A CA is ready when it has at least 150 members, at least $3,000 in its bank account, and a proposed contest budget given to the Executive Director. The LCNC asks the Executive Director to open the contest. The Executive Director may open any contest after consulting the region's directors. The contest officially opens when the Opening Notice goes to constituency members by email; a CA board may pay for notice by mail or phone too CSR 10.

Timeline CSR 6–7

• Day 0Opening Notice sent
• Day 14, 5 pmApplications due at the Party office
• +3 business daysLast day for LCNC interviews
• 21–35 daysCampaign period after the application deadline, if contested
• VoteElectors must be members 21 days before voting begins

The PCSC can vary this schedule 7.

Who can apply CSR 5.2–5.3

• Eligible to be a candidate under the Election Act and the EFCDA
• A party member for at least six consecutive months before the contest opens. A written waiver can be requested through the Executive Director, who takes it to the PCSC if there are grounds.
• Resigned or on leave from all CA boards, party boards and committees
• A candidate in only one riding at a time. After an unsuccessful or aborted attempt, you may apply elsewhere only with PCSC approval 5.7.

The application package CSR 5.4–5.6

Screening and disqualification CSR 6.3–6.5

The LCNC interviews applicants but cannot reject them. If half or more of the LCNC believe there may be cause, the Executive Director tells the PCSC. Only the PCSC can reject an applicant, disqualify a contestant or disallow a candidate, and only under these protections:

1. Burden of proof: the PCSC must show evidence of a breach of the Code or the Rules. Conduct must reflect the member's overall character and not be taken out of context 6.5.1.
2. Right to respond: where evidence is uncertain, the member must be asked for their side first 6.5.2.
3. No bias: action must be tied to a specific breach, not personal bias on an issue 6.5.3.
4. No reversal: once allowed to run, a contestant can't be removed unless a breach happens afterward 6.5.4.
5. Two-thirds vote of the PCSC 6.5.5.

Electors' list

After membership sales close, each contestant receives the list of electors and has 48 hours to report errors or omissions 6.6.

The vote CSR 8

• If only one contestant remains, the LCNC endorses them by acclamation 8.1.
• Secret ballot in person, or by other secure means the PCSC sets. In-person voting must run at least four consecutive hours 8.4.
• An impartial returning officer is appointed by the PCSC 8.5.
• ID: one government photo ID with name and address, or photo ID plus a document showing your address. Statutory declarations aren't accepted 8.6.
• Ballot names are in alphabetical order by surname 8.12. No proxies 8.14. No other business may be conducted 8.11.

Counting a preferential ballot CSR 8.7–8.9

1. Count first choices. A contestant with more than 50% of valid first-preference votes wins. Spoiled ballots don't count.
2. Eliminate the lowest. If no one passes 50%, drop the contestant with the fewest votes and move each of their ballots to its next preference.
3. Repeat one contestant at a time until someone passes 50%. Each round's result is announced publicly.
4. Ties are broken by a coin toss 8.9.4.

The returning officer keeps ballots and sign-in sheets for 14 days, then gives them to the PCSC if asked or destroys them 8.10.

Exceptions

• The Party Board may modify these rules by two-thirds of directors present 9.1.
• Between elections, the Leader may recommend up to two candidates in two constituencies with a candidate vacancy, in consultation with the PCSC and LCNC. Each needs majority Board approval 9.2.
• During a writ period, the Leader may make those appointments, and the Executive Director may alter, suspend or abridge the rules after consulting the President. These decisions are final and must be circulated to the Board immediately 9.3–9.4.

Appeals CSR 11

The Leader promotes the party and its principles and is its chief public official Bylaws 12.1. The Leader is a voting director while in office 7.7.

Leadership review Leadership Rules 3

A review is held:

• At one of every three AGMs, in years when the Election Act doesn't fix an election date 3.1.1
• At a special general meeting, as early as possible, after:
  • an election where the party fails to form a majority government
  • a resolution passed by two-thirds of the entire Party Board at a meeting called for that purpose
  • a request from enough CAs under Bylaw 5.7, which requires one-quarter of CAs passing identical motions

Every member eligible to vote at a general meeting may vote, by secret ballot, on "Do you approve of the current Leader?" The yes, no and total valid votes are announced before the meeting ends. A yes vote below 50% of valid votes automatically triggers a leadership election 3.2.

When a leadership election happens 4.1–4.2

The Board must call one if the Leader loses a review, resigns, retires, becomes medically incapable, or dies. A Leader who announces a resignation must give the Secretary written notice right away. If none arrives within five business days, the resignation is accepted and the election begins.

Interim Leader 4.3–4.7

• Elected by caucus by plurality, as early as possible.
• The Board chooses alone if caucus can't act in time, or if the party has fewer than three MLAs.
• The Interim Leader can't run for the leadership, can't be forced to serve, and has the full authority of the Leader.

Leadership Election Committee 4.8–4.13

• Appointed by the Board; all members must be party members.
• Board members may sit on it but can't vote; it must include at least one voting member from each region.
• Sets the election rules, procedures and campaign period, consistent with the Bylaws; appoints a returning officer.
• Committee members, delegates and officials sign neutrality and confidentiality documents, and anyone who breaches them is removed.
• Party staff and contractors must stay neutral and can't work on any campaign.

Contestants 4.14

A contestant must have been a member for six months (the committee can waive this after consulting the Board and caucus), be a Canadian citizen at least 18, meet legal qualifications, apply on the committee's form, agree to the rules, pay the fees set by the committee (which may include a refundable good conduct bond), and file a petition of at least 500 members, including at least 100 from each of the five regions.

Voting and counting Leadership Rules 5

• Voters must have been members 21 days before voting starts.
• Vote in person at any polling station, or by absentee mail-in ballot postmarked three days before election day.
• ID rules match other party votes; statutory declarations aren't accepted.
• Preferential ballot; ranking is optional. More than 50% of first preferences wins; otherwise the lowest is dropped and ballots transfer, round by round, with each round announced.
• The committee chair votes, but the ballot is set aside and counted only to break a tie for last place.

Disputes go to the Arbitration Committee under the dispute resolution process 6.1. See Module 16 for a conflict between this and the Arbitration Committee's mandate.

What it covers GDRP 1

Disputes about interpreting the Bylaws and Constitutional Documents, and about how the Association, the Party and recognized CAs operate. The process is quasi-judicial: it must follow "the Rules of Natural Justice" and be "fair, balanced, open and transparent." It applies to disputes:

• At the CA level, including individual membership issues
• At the Association level
• Between ten members acting together and a CA board
• Between two CAs
• Between a CA and the UCA

Starting a dispute GDRP 3–5

Give written Notice of Dispute to the Party President, to the CA president if a CA board is involved, and to the respondent. The process starts the day the President receives it. The notice must contain:

1. A demand that the dispute be referred to this process
2. Full names and contact details of all parties
3. References to the material documents
4. A description of the claim and a brief statement of facts
5. The remedy you want
6. What you've already tried to resolve it

The panel GDRP 6–8

• The President contacts the parties and asks the Arbitration Committee chair to appoint a three-member Dispute Resolution Panel: two members with legal training or tribunal experience, plus one other.
• No panel member may come from the region where the dispute arose or from the parties' regions. The panel picks its own chair.
• It decides by majority with written reasons, aiming to finish within six months of receiving the information it asked for.
• Urgent disputes can be expedited, with a ruling at a hearing and reasons to follow 8.2.4.
• Decisions are final and binding 8.1.

The Arbitration Committee

Up to nine members appointed by the Board, none of whom can be directors, party employees, MLAs or caucus advisors. The chair and at least five members need legal or administrative panel experience, and terms are two years. Its decisions carry "no further appeal or review on any ground whatsoever," and it does not hear disputes about leadership or nomination contests Standing Committee List 3.

Procedure rules Arbitration Rules

• Respondents file a Response; claimants reply to any counterclaim 3–5.
• Panel members must disclose anything that could raise doubts about their impartiality. A challenge must be made in writing within 15 days of learning the member's identity or the circumstances 8–9.
• The panel rules on its own jurisdiction; objections go in the Response 12.
• A hearing, in person or electronic, must be held if a party asks to present evidence. Otherwise the panel may decide on documents 16.
• The panel can grant interim measures, such as preserving the status quo, assets or evidence, or protecting confidentiality 19–20.
• Parties waive claims against panel members and the Association for acts connected to the dispute, except wilful wrongdoing 13.

Published decisions are on the party's arbitration decisions page. Reading a few is the best way to see how the rules are applied.

Financial obligations Bylaws 6

• Borrowing powers are set by the Board and must comply with law, especially the EFCDA 6.1.
• The fiscal year ends December 31 6.2.
• A qualified accountant audits the Association, the Party and the legacy parties at least once a year 6.3, and the Party's audited statements are published 6.4.
• Audited statements are presented to every AGM 5.6.1.
• The Board approves the annual budget 7.10.6.

Fiscal 2025 Audited statements

• Auditor: Crowe MacKay LLP, Calgary. The opinion is qualified for 2025, as for 2024: the auditor couldn't verify the completeness of donation and fundraising revenue, or amounts owing to CAs. This is common for organizations that rely on donations and events.
• Election periods: under the EFCDA, money received and spent during three 2025 by-election periods is reported separately.
• Other notes: a $1,000,000 line of credit, undrawn at year end; lease commitments of $366,608 through 2030.
• The AGM is run on a cost-recovery basis, so registration fees aren't donations.

Standing committees Standing Committee List

The Board must maintain these committees Bylaws 9.1, which may include members who aren't directors 9.2. Members' names and regions are posted on the party website SCL 1.2.

General meetings Bylaws 5

Required AGM business 5.6

• Audited statements of the Association, Party and legacy parties
• Amendments to the Bylaws and Constitutional Documents
• Secret-ballot Board elections
• Reports from each Vice-President

Thresholds

From idea to adoption

1. Draft locally. Most resolutions start with a member and are adopted by a CA board. Members can also submit them. In 2026, resolutions came from CAs, individual members, the Board and the Policy & Governance Committee.
2. Consultation and ranking. The Policy & Governance Committee runs member consultation on bylaw amendments SCL 5.3. Members are invited to rank submitted resolutions before the AGM.
3. Publication. The package is posted before the AGM. In 2026, governance resolutions are debated Friday evening and policy resolutions Saturday.
4. Debate and vote at the AGM, under the rules of order the Board adopts.
5. Consolidation. The Secretary and Policy & Governance Committee consolidate passed amendments. They may make only non-substantive changes, and a submitter can appeal through the dispute process 7.13.4. The Policy & Governance Committee also proposes housekeeping changes to the Policy Declaration at each AGM SCL 5.4.

Writing a good resolution

The 2026 package shows what goes wrong: text that doesn't match its rationale, wrong section numbers, two resolutions amending the same section, and leftover editing marks. A strong resolution:

• Names the exact document and section it changes, and whether it adds, modifies or deletes
• Quotes the current wording and the proposed wording in full
• Makes sure the rationale matches the text, including any numbers
• Checks for conflicts with other sections and with other resolutions in the same package
• States the threshold it needs (75% for bylaws)
• Fits a policy resolution into the existing Policy Declaration numbering

2026 governance resolutions to know

See the full 2026 resolutions package for all 39 items.

The Board adopts Board Election Rules before each AGM. This module follows the 2026 rules, adopted August 20, 2026. The Bylaws prevail over them in any conflict Election Rules 13.1.

Officials 2

• Elections Committee: five members appointed by the Board on the Executive Director's advice. It picks its chair, hires a Returning Officer, oversees fairness, can set extra campaign rules, and must stay confidential and impartial. Its members can't be candidates.
• Returning Officer: runs the election, certifies candidates, may fine a candidate up to $250 for breaking the rules, and declares the winners.

Applying 4

Applicants also disclose political or foreign affiliations Bylaws 7.17. The Returning Officer can allow a brief extension for an application that was inadvertently incomplete. A sole candidate is acclaimed. If no one applies for a seat, its deadline can be extended up to seven days 5.

Campaigning 7–8

• Candidates get a list of registered AGM attendees (regional candidates: their region only) with names, addresses and phone numbers, but no emails.
• The list may be used only for the election, and must be destroyed after the AGM. A second declaration confirming destruction is required before the deposit is returned.
• Every call, text or email must include an opt-out, which must be honoured. CRTC rules apply.
• The Executive Director may, at their discretion, help send emails on a candidate's behalf.
• One scrutineer per candidate, who must be a registered member. Candidates can't scrutineer for themselves 9.

Voting 6, 10

• Voters must be members in good standing, registered for the AGM, and members by the cut-off. Regional seats are voted on only by residents of that region.
• ID: government photo ID with name and address, or photo ID plus a document showing the address. The Returning Officer can waive this case by case. Statutory declarations aren't accepted.
• Secret preferential ballot (single transferable vote). A first-round tie is broken by drawing lots. A later-round tie goes to whoever had more first-place votes; any other tie by lots.

The 2026 calendar

• Oct 16, 5 pmApplications due
• Oct 30, 5 pmCandidates certified
• Nov 6Candidates announced; voting and scrutineer rules issued; membership cut-off at 11:59 pm
• Nov 9Member lists to candidates
• Nov 23, 5 pmWithdrawal deadline (withdrawal by email is irrevocable)
• Nov 26, 5 pmScrutineer forms due
• Nov 27–28AGM in Calgary: speeches Friday; voting and results Saturday

In 2026, the CFO, VP Membership, VP Policy & Governance and one director from each region are elected, for terms ending at the 2028 AGM 3.

Disputes 12

A candidate, or an applicant the Returning Officer refused to certify, submits the dispute promptly and in writing to the Elections Committee. Its decision is final, binding and not subject to appeal.

The Member Policy Declaration is a Constitutional Document that the Association and Party must follow Bylaws 10.1.1. The November 2025 edition added 30 newly ratified resolutions.

Mission 102

Build a stronger Alberta by protecting liberty, promoting personal and economic responsibility, and defending families, property rights and natural resources.

The nine principles 103 a–i

Resolution 2026-309 would add a tenth: equality before the law, regardless of group identity or viewpoint.

Where to find things

Intergovernmental policy 302

• Defend the constitutional division of powers between Ottawa and the provinces
• Seek approval by referendum to negotiate a Section 121 constitutional change giving Alberta a right to export resources, products and services freely
• Any right granted to another province should also be granted to Alberta
• Provincial and municipal agreements with Canada or international bodies need prior provincial approval
• Alberta to collect the taxes Albertans pay, rather than the federal government
• Replace the CPP with an Alberta Pension Plan guaranteeing equal or better benefits 205.5; replace RCMP provincial policing with an Alberta Police Force 401.5
• A recall threshold of 50% plus one of votes cast for the office in the last election, with 120 days to collect signatures 301.2f

Good directors know where the rules are unclear, because that's where disputes start. These issues were found reading the November 2025 documents.

Ways to take part, from simplest to most involved

1. Hold a membership, and keep it current so the 21-day rule never catches you Bylaws 4.7.3.
2. Attend CA board meetings as an observer CA Rules 8.22, and the CA AGM, where the local board is elected.
3. Bring a resolution to your CA board for the provincial AGM.
4. Serve on a CA board or committee, or a provincial standing committee.
5. Register for the AGM to vote on the bylaws, policy and the Board.
6. Run for a CA board, the provincial Board or a nomination.
7. Use the safeguards: a CA petition (lesser of 100 or one-third), a provincial SGM request (one-quarter of CAs), or a dispute by ten members.

Glossary

Acclamation

Election without a vote because only one candidate is running.

AGM / SGM

Annual general meeting / special general meeting.

CA

Constituency association, the party's organization in each provincial riding.

Constitutional Documents

The Member Policy Declaration and the Governance Manual.

DRP

Dispute Resolution Panel, three members drawn from the Arbitration Committee.

EFCDA

Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act.

Ex officio

Holding a seat because of another office held, such as an MLA on a CA board.

Fiduciary

Someone legally bound to act in another's best interests.

GDRP

General Dispute Resolution Process.

Good standing

A member who meets all the requirements of Bylaw 4.1.

LCNC

Local Candidate Nomination Committee.

LEC

Leadership Election Committee.

Legacy parties

The Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta and the Wildrose Party.

NDA

Non-disclosure agreement.

PCSC

Provincial Candidate Selection Committee.

PPGC

Provincial Policy and Governance Committee.

Preferential ballot

Voters rank choices; the lowest is dropped and votes transfer until someone has a majority.

Quorum

The minimum number present for a meeting to make decisions.

Returning Officer

The official who runs a vote.

Special resolution

A 75% vote, as defined by the Societies Act.

Writ period

From the call of a provincial election until it ends.

The exam draws 40 questions at random from all 121 in the course, so each attempt is different. You'll see your score and every explanation when you submit. Score 80% (32 of 40) or better to pass and get a completion record.

• UCP governance page (all documents and current board)
• Bylaws (approved November 28, 2025)
• Governance Manual (approved November 28, 2025)
• Member Policy Declaration (November 2025)
• Membership Rules and Procedures (September 2025)
• General Meeting Rules (February 2025)
• Arbitration Rules and Procedures
• 2026 Board Election Rules and Application Package
• 2026 AGM resolutions
• Fiscal 2025 audited financial statements
• Standing committees (June 2026)
• Arbitration decisions
• The Canadian Press: UCP introduces pro-Canada pledge for party officials (October 2026)