Candid chat with Alberta’s outgoing premier
Posted Jan 27, 2011 7:01 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Retiring Premier Ed Stelmach is cautiously optimistic about the direction the province is headed.
One day after shocking his party and Albertans by tabling his resignation, Premier Stelmach gave two exclusive interviews; one with the QMI Agency, published in Thursday’s Calgary Sun.
Stelmach reiterated that a big reason why he’s riding into the political sunset is because he didn’t want to make another five-year commitment.
He again raised his concern about the emergence of American-style politics complete with attack ads, calling it unfortunate because it’s not the Alberta way.
The outgoing premier is proud of what he has accomplished during his term, including striking new trade agreements with Saskatchewan and B.C.
Stelmach believes future economic prosperity and stability will come from increased trade with China and India.
Financially, he believes Alberta is in good shape, even though there is a multi-billion dollar deficit brought about by the recession.
As for his successor, Stelmach says he has told the party executive, he expects the leadership race to be open, fair and transparent.
He is also suggesting those in Cabinet who are eyeing the job, should resign like he did back in 2006.
