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While he said he respects free speech, joining a political party carries a broad responsibility to others.

“When you step in (into the political arena), especially as a representative of a political party, you have to demonstrate a degree of discipline,” he said.

“Because otherwise one person’s crazy remarks can tarnish a party made up of hundreds of thousands of people.

“We will never let that happen again. We can’t let that happen again,” he concluded, to applause.

The Wildrose saw a strong campaign tumble into the ditch in the 2012 election after then-leader Danielle Smith refused to sanction a candidate for his online comments warning gays and lesbians to repent or face an afterlife in hell’s “lake of fire.”

Kenney and Wildrose Leader Brian Jean are currently touring the province to drum up support for a proposed plan to merge the PCs and the Wildrose into the new United Conservative Party.

Both say vote splitting among Conservatives will guarantee another win in 2019 by Premier Rachel Notley’s NDP.

They say NDP economic policies and initiatives like a new carbon tax are making Alberta’s faltering oil-based economy much worse for working families.

Members of both parties will vote on the proposed merger July 22.

The PCs need a simple majority to ratify the merger while the Wildrose side needs more than 75 per cent.

Should it pass, both sides will then create joint committees to set policy, create constituency associations, and set the terms of a leadership vote in October.

Both Jean and Kenney have already said they will run to be leader. Calgary lawyer Doug Schweitzer has also announced a leadership bid.