Day two of campaigning
Posted Mar 27, 2012 11:51 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Alberta party leaders are making the rounds in Alberta as the provincial election campaign enters its first full day.
Wildrose leader Danielle Smith started out in Okotoks where she discussed economic issues Tuesday morning. The Wildrose party says it would immediately balance the provincial budget while saving for the future if it won the April 23 election.
“Every day, Alberta families make responsible decisions with their money in order to make ends meet and save for the future. Our government should be no different,” Smith said. “A Wildrose government will respect taxpayers by restoring common sense and fiscal responsibility to Alberta’s finances, committing to a long-term savings plan, and focusing spending on what Alberta needs.”
Alberta’s New Democrats say they have common-sense solutions to get the province’s ailing health-care system back on its feet without breaking the bank. Party leader Brian Mason says his team is committed to affordable, accessible health care for all, but he adds that improvements are needed.
“When your health fails, you and your family need to know you’ll be taken care of. Public healthcare takes care of you, no questions asked,” Mason said. “Conservatives have broken that important trust though disastrous corporate style reorganization and repeated turns toward U.S. style private care. They can’t be trusted with our health system.”
Premier Alison Redford who held court at the Chamber of Commerce. She says good times are rolling in Alberta under her government and the Tories are planning to keep it that way. Redford said the province, aided by its oil and gas industry, created 99,000 jobs last year and has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada.
“Keeping Alberta strong involves investing in our engine of innovation, its people. World-class output requires world-class input. Our economy depends on intelligent, capable and productive people and our approach is a comprehensive one. This is why Budget 2012 has committed to three year funding cycles for the primary and post -secondary education systems. Consistency of funding leads to better education choices for Albertans,” said Redford.
Raj Sherman shared the liberal vision for health care in downtown Calgary.
“The Alberta Liberals promise to double funding for home care and properly fund long-term care are the foundation of fixing our public health care system. We need to ensure that facilities have properly trained staff, and long-term care is accessible for every Albertan. Without the proper funding for long-term care, services suffer and that ultimately means patients suffer,” said Sherman.
