Kevin Taft and the Alberta Liberals Set Tone in Week One of Campaign

Week one of the 2008 campaign is over, and already Albertans know what to expect from an Alberta Liberal government.

The Alberta Liberals are the only major party so far to have released a platform outlining their plan for the province. While Albertans continue to wonder when Ed Stelmach will let them in on the “plan” he insists the Conservatives have, anyone can pick up a copy of the Liberal platform and read about their comprehensive strategy for Alberta.

“With focus on our long-term vision of Alberta and our strong stance on critical issues, we’ve really set the tone for the campaign that the other parties must now follow,” Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft said.

Taft travelled all over Alberta in the campaign’s first week, unveiling specific agendas for different regions of the province and detailing the Alberta Liberal platform on important issues such as climate change and homelessness.

“Instead of descending into the politics of fear or trying to score cheap political points, we’ve shown Albertans the kind of strong leadership they not only want in their next government, but need,” Taft said.

In the 11 days before the election was called, Ed Stelmach dove into Alberta’s bank account out and handed out $1.3 billion in ad hoc spending announcements, all without a plan to ensure this money is spent effectively and in the best interests of taxpayers.

“There’s a famous, old bumper sticker that said, ‘Please Lord, give me another oil boom, and I promise not to blow it this time.’ If we continue to allow the Tories to let billions and billions of dollars slip through their fingers, Albertans will have to stick it back on their cars,” Taft said.

“That’s why we need a government with a plan, and the Alberta Liberals are the only major political party with one.”