LETHBRIDGE – Alberta’s interim Progressive Conservative Leader was in Lethbridge Thursday to speak to the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs.
Ric McIver spoke on a number of topics and said he’s here to listen to what Albertans have to say. There was a full house as McIver spoke about the current NDP government, budget pressures and job losses in industries across the province.
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In April, the Alberta PC caucus launched an initiative called “engage – a conversation with Albertans,” inviting them to provide public input on a variety of policy issues. McIver said he is spending a lot of time with his ears open and mouth shut.
“We have learned the issues from the past and we are putting together policies that will truly represent what Albertans want when we go to the polls years from now. This is not the end of the listening this is the beginning,” McIver said.
McIver also addressed the recent provincial budget, the PC response to it and offered some ideas about where he would lead Albertans.
“We are in a terrible position. The NDP government promised to take Alberta $60 billion in debt before next election. That means any children born in 2019 in Alberta will already owe the government $13,000,” he said.
McIver said if the PC party listens to what people have to say, perhaps Albertans will give them another chance when the next provincial election rolls around in three years.