EDMONTON — Just two days before delivering what is widely anticipated to be a pre-election budget, Premier Jim Prentice will take to the airwaves tonight to address Albertans.
The government says Prentice will talk about changes to the financial situation in the province caused by falling oil prices but some Opposition politicians say the appearance is more like a taxpayer-funded Tory election ad.
On Monday, the Wildrose party called on Prentice to have the Conservative party pay the cost of the CTV address, which has been estimated to cost between $80,000 and $100,000, calling it a
“purely partisan piece of PC propaganda.”
The Wildrose turned down an offer to record its own statement for inclusion in the broadcast, but when the invitation was then extended to the next party in the standings, Liberal Leader David
Swann accepted.
He says he welcomes the chance to speak to Albertans “at such an important fiscal, social, and political time” and says they deserve to hear more than a one-sided government argument.
Global News will be posting the video address in its entirety online when the embargo lifts at 6:30 p.m. MST.
Provincial Affairs Reporter Tom Vernon will have highlights on the News Hour at that time as well.
READ MORE: Prentice says Alberta budget to be so radical will demand mandate to implement
The budget is to be delivered on Thursday, with many anticipating a spring election call won’t be far behind.
Televised addresses have been a popular tool for a string of Tory premiers in Alberta.
Former premier Alison Redford took to the airwaves in 2013 to explain the “bitumen bubble” to Albertans; Ed Stelmach shared his plan to attacking the recession in 2009; Ralph Klein explained in 1999 why he didn’t think overnight stays at private clinics would be a violation of the Canada Health Act, then in 1994 explained his balanced budget initiative directly to Albertans.
With files from Global News
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