The five candidates seeking election in the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills riding outlined some of their plans for the period immediately after the April 16 provincial vote.
Incumbent UCP MLA Nathan Cooper is facing off against Alberta Party candidate Chase Brown, NDP candidate Kyle Johnston, Alberta Advantage Party candidate Dave Hughes, and Alberta Freedom Conservative Party candidate Allen MacLennan.
Speaking at an all-candidates forum in Olds on Thursday, the candidates were asked to explain what their short-term goals would be should they be elected.
Cooper said a UCP government would call a summer 2019 legislature session to get down to work without delay.
“Job one will be repealing the job-killing carbon tax,” said Cooper. “We will do away with that one. And then additionally there will be the corporate income tax reduction by about 30 per cent, which over time will increase revenue by $1.2 billion.
“We will be laser-focused on three things: jobs, the economy and pipelines. We need strong leadership in Alberta, one that hasn’t struck a close ally in Justin Trudeau, but one that is willing to stand up to Justin Trudeau and the Ottawa Liberals and get Alberta a fair deal in Confederation.”
A UCP government would repeal and replace Bill 6, would bring in pay cuts for the premier and MLAs, and would introduce MLA recall legislation, he said.
Johnston said a re-elected NDP government would continue to work with stakeholders to build the economy.
“First and foremost we will get this pipeline (Trans Mountain),” said Johnston. “We are closer than ever to building the pipeline. It is going to get built and mark my words, Rachel (Notley) is going to be the one to get it done.
“We are going to focus on diversifying our economy, upgrading our petroleum products. We are going to focus on protecting our health care and education.
“We are also going to expand the $25-a-day daycare and we are also going to add 2,000 long-term care beds for our seniors, along with affordable drug coverage for all. We have to continue moving forward and we can’t regress on so many positives.”
An NDP government would balance the province’s books by 2023, he said.
MacLennan said a Freedom Conservative Party government would quickly make a number of changes.
“I want to protect you,” said MacLennan. “We’ve got to get rid of that carbon tax. It is just ludicrous. Income tax is absolutely illegal and we should not have any minimum wage at all. If you’ve got courage, vote for Allen MacLennan.”
Brown said an Alberta Party government would “reject divisive politics” and work with other stakeholders.
“We voted against the PC dynasty and look where it got us,” said Brown. “We voted against something last time and look where it got us. This time we need something to vote for.
“I promise that I’m going to represent you with every tooth and nail and fibre of my being the best that I can.”
Hughes said an Alberta Advantage government would work with other stakeholders.
“Obviously we would try to get the pipeline built,” said Hughes. “We will come together and listen to other people’s solutions. Let’s come together and we can do it. If we can’t get our promises done you have the right to recall.
“Doing good things and looking out for your neighbours and that’s what I want to see return. I want to see us get back to our firm foundations, and that’s why I’m in this fight.”
With more than 200 people in attendance, the April 4 forum at the TransCanada Theatre saw written questions from the floor posed to all candidates.
In all 18 questions were asked to some or all of the candidates, with topics ranging from the carbon tax, to gay-straight alliances, to each party’s economic policies and plans.
