Hancock says he’ll keep on course as interim premier
Posted Mar 20, 2014 4:43 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
When premier Alison Redford’s resignation becomes official Sunday, deputy premier Dave Hancock will be stepping into the position temporarily.
Redford had a personal conversation with Hancock Thursday, to pass on some advice before the reigns are handed over.
Hancock released a statement to say he is honoured and humbled to have been asked by caucus to serve as premier of Alberta.
“It’s a role that I accept with optimism and great confidence in the ongoing work and vision of this government,” said Hancock, in the release.
Speaking to media, Hancock said his immediate focus is on passing the budget by the April 24th deadline, as well as working through several bills that are currently going through the approval process.
He said it will take time to figure out all the details of his new role and while he didn’t comment specifically on reports of Redford’s senior staff being let go, he said a switch when there is a change in leadership is not unusual.
Hancock will serve as interim leader for an estimated four to six months and said he expects it to remain a temporary role.
In 2006, he entered the leadership race, but said he does not currently hold aspirations to lead the Alberta Tories.
“This is not a time for me to bring forward an agenda. This is a time for me to provide the leadership with the leadership team that we have, and with government, to carry out the agenda that we promised.”
Serving as Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education, he said he anticipates he will keep his portfolios at this time.
Hancock touted teamwork when speaking to media, emphasizing the Tories will work to show Albertans the party is worthy of leadership by the 2016 election.
He said Redford was great for the province and said he thanked her for bravely stepping aside for the good of government.
He added he is confident there is very strong support for what the government is doing.
“I do not see any reason that we cannot continue to bring forward the program that we promised Albertans, to deliver on the Building Alberta plan,” he said, adding that people should not expect to see signs with Redford’s name painted over with his own.
As for the Government Travel Policy that was called into review after controversial trips brought flak from the opposition, Hancock said a review will continue.
