Alison Redford, the former justice minister, has moved into second place, behind leading Garry Mar according to the results of a poll of Progressive Conservative party members. Albertans go to the polls to vote in a new Premier on September 17, 2011.Chris Bolin for The Globe and Mail
Alberta Tory leadership candidate Alison Redford is taking a break from the campaign to be with her ailing mother.
Ms. Redford's mother, Helen, had been admitted to a hospital in High River, Alta., with a severe illness.
A spokesman with Ms. Redford's campaign says the medical condition is serious.
Ms. Redford has pulled out of a scheduled televised debate with front-runner Gary Mar and Doug Horner. But she hopes to resume her campaign shortly.
Members of the Progressive Conservative party will choose a new leader and premier on Saturday in a runoff vote.