PC Policy Conference Report
To:

The Board, Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta (“PCAA”) and
the Leadership Election Committee “LEC”).

From:

Chris Warren Q.C.

Re:

Policy Conference in Red Deer November 4 to 6, 2017 (the “Policy
Conference”) and Allegations of Harassment and Intimidation

The following is my report in relation to allegations of harassment and intimidation experienced
by members of the Sandra Jansen and Jason Kenney leadership campaigns.
Retention of IRISS Corporation
Following the Policy Conference, the PCAA and the LEC received complaints of harassment and
intimidation experienced by members of the Sandra Jansen and Jason Kenney leadership
campaigns.
On November 14, 2016, IRISS Corporation (“IRISS”) was retained by PCAA to investigate the
complaints. IRISS is a consortium of investigation and risk management professionals with
specialized experience in public, private, government and military sectors. Members have
experience in investigations, law enforcement, telecommunications, and cyber security.
The PCAA requested that I act as the contact person with IRISS. On December 6, 2016 I
received a summary of the findings which included interviews and written statements from
witnesses from IRISS in both paper form and pdf format.
IRISS conducted in depth interviews with Sandra Jansen, Jason Kenney, PCAA volunteers who
volunteered at the Policy Conference as neutral members, and supporters of both the Sandra
Jansen and Jason Kenney campaigns. IRISS also reviewed Twitter posts.
Findings of the Investigation
IRISS found instances where Ms. Jansen, Mr. Kenney and other PCAA members were subjected
to rude, ill-mannered behavior, including:
1.

In review of the investigation, it was considered that Sandra Jansen’s campaign appeared
to be targeted by abusive supporters over any other campaign. The behavior endured by
Ms. Jansen included:
1.1.1 Being verbally chastised by members for her social and political views to the
point she did not feel safe; and
1.1.2

Rude remarks were written on nomination papers circulated by Ms. Jansen.

 2.
3.

However, there was no direct evidence to prove that particular campaigns had directed
these supporters to target Ms. Jansen’s campaign.
Mr. Kenney recalled times walking down the hall at the hotel where the Conference was
held and heard people shouting expletives at him.
The IRISS report found that at least four female members and volunteers reported
verbally abusive encounters with other members due to their political views.

Investigator’s Conclusion and Recommendations
1.

2.

The investigator concluded:
1.1

There appears to be evidence of situations where some supporters of campaigns
were found to have acted abusively toward other members, volunteers and
campaigns;

1.2

There was no direct evidence to prove that particular campaigns had directed
these supporters to target either campaign;

1.3

With supporters being members of the public, there is very little control a
campaign has over how certain members of the public, or supporters of a
candidate, may view the topics of a campaign; and

1.4

Some of the allegations of intimidation and harassment were believed to be
unfounded due to a lack of evidence, and certain actions may very well be as a
result of a difference in opinion between members within the Party.

The investigator recommended:
2.1

The PCAA increase security at events to deal with unruly supporters who are not
volunteers, staff or contractors of a candidate; and

2.2

PCAA adopt a zero tolerance policy for any abuse, harassment or intimidation
internally within the Party, and to extend this policy to supporters who attend
functions under the control of PCAA.

Appendixes;
1. Leadership Candidate Code of Conduct and Ethics
2. PCAA Member Code of Conduct and Ethics