Alberta Liberals to Restore Accountability to Legislature

Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft spoke to more than 350 Calgarians from many walks of life at his leader’s dinner this evening about the opportunity for change on March 3rd.

As the lack of leadership and direction of the Tories becomes more apparent each day, Taft said Albertans are recognizing that after 37 years of one-party rule, it’s time for a change.

“Albertans have an opportunity to make history in this election. People are going to be hearing that it’s all about risk. But it’s really about opportunity,” Taft said.

“A change of government would bring some fresh perspectives on the problems the Tories have shown they just aren’t up to solving.

“The Alberta Liberals will work with Albertans to the fix the health care labour shortage. We’ll increase capacity in our post-secondary institutions. We’ll create a new fiscal and royalty regime that looks at the big picture, including the environment, jobs and the economy.”

But Taft said the most pressing need for change is to stop the Tories from continuing to squander Alberta’s vast potential.

“Since 1971, the Tories have plowed through nearly $200 billion in non-renewable resource revenue. Almost all of it is gone. Alaska and Norway have piled up their savings, but our Heritage Fund would barely finance this government for six months.”

The Alberta Liberals, with a real plan for the future, will save 30% of all non-renewable resource revenue and position Alberta as a leader in Canada and around the world.

“We will help make Alberta the new centre of the country for business and the economy, for education, for arts and culture, for science and innovation.

“We have a great team. We are ready to govern. It’s time for a change to get the job done right,” Taft said.

Jack Kenny, an Alberta senior who attended the dinner, said Taft was right on.

“Kevin Taft has shown himself to be the leader Alberta needs. As a senior, I find the Alberta Liberals are the only party that seniors in this province can trust,” Kenny said.

Calgary-based lawyer Chima Nkemdirim agreed: “Kevin Taft is the one leader who recognizes the unmatched potential of this province and has an action plan for reaching that potential. I’m convinced that Kevin Taft and the Alberta Liberals are ready to govern.”

Carole Oliver, a former public school trustee and Alberta Liberal candidate in Calgary Fort, also lauded Taft.

“As a former school trustee, I can tell you that Kevin Taft is the only leader with a comprehensive plan for education that provides our children with the resources they need to succeed in life,” Oliver said.

The dinner, scheduled months ago, became an important election event when it happened to fall within the campaign period.