Liberal leader David Swann says plan to work with progressive left not good enough
Posted Apr 16, 2015 5:39 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Liberal leader David Swann says he has nothing against working together with other progressive parties, but their idea to come together six weeks before the election wasn’t good enough.
Speaking at an announcement at his campaign headquarters in northern Calgary, Swann revealed plans to run in certain ridings had already been in the works.
“I’ve been trying to push cooperation for four years, unfortunately no other parties have been willing to talk about cooperation until the last six or eight weeks,” he said. “Cooperation means trust and we don’t have the trust we need to have some solid agreements on cooperation.”
“Unfortunately the same ‘liberal-friendly ridings that we seek, that would provide a strong opposition to this government are those that other parties are seeking. We need to get down to the table and talk about cooperation right after this election, we cannot keep dividing the progressive vote in this province.”
When asked about why not have that talk now instead of waiting for the next election, Swann revealed they already have made some commitments to Alberta Liberals.
“We have funded, provided volunteers, made commitments in constituencies, Liberal constituencies in particular across the province,” he said. “It’s too late to back off on constituencies where we have a real opportunity to win and Alberta Liberals want to be supported.”
“We have been rivals (with the NDP) for decades, even the Alberta Party that’s only been functioning for the last 8 years has been a very fierce rival, especially in the last by-elections. To expect us to get down to the table and find a way to cooperate is a little much in the six weeks before an election.”
Swann said there are always some people who have been injured in the political process, they have tried to work together, but they have made commitments to donors, volunteers and constituencies.
He calls this election crucial and added it’s about whether or not voters will give the Progressive Conservatives another blank cheque.
The Liberal leader fears there could be a lot of apathy this time around and is encouraging Albertans to vote.
