Stephen Harper endorses Jason Kenney for Alberta PC leader

Former prime minister Stephen Harper has endorsed Jason Kenney as the next Alberta PC leader, saying the situation in the province must change,

"This province is the beating heart of the Canadian conservative movement," Harper saidwhileaddressing a federal Conservative Party Stampede BBQ Saturday evening in Calgary.

He praised the MPs he's worked with, and commendedInterim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose for the work she's done in recent months. He alsotouted his contribution to creating a united federal conservative movement.

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"That unity has remained elusive here in Alberta," he said.

He added Kenney has proven himself a principled conservative "time and time" again.

Ambrose echoed the support, saying she's behind both the movement to unite the right in Albertaand Kenney'sbid.

The conservative movement in Canada is strong, "coast to coast to coast," Ambrose said.

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It was widely speculated Harper would use Saturday's event to announce his resignation as MP, but he didn't address his future ambitions.

The former prime minister has kept a low profile since the federal election last October that saw Justin Trudeau's Liberals form a majority government.

Harper did not grant interviews following the loss and had not spoken publiclyuntil the party's convention in Vancouver in May.

Kenney later thanked both Harper and Ambrose for standing behind his bid.