INNISFAIL -- Brian Vanderkley wants a better Alberta for folks who deserve the rewards of serene enjoyable living as they near retirement.
The 59-year-old Red Deerian, who worked in the oilfield for 30 years, was laid off last year. He said he's now semi-retired but concedes he's not yet ready to fully sit back.
"The problem really is it takes a lot of money to retire. The pension is not enough to live on and your savings are eroded every day because of all the money the Trudeau government is printing," said Vanderkley, who is a professional instrumentation mechanic and electrician.
He believes the Alberta Advantage Party (AAP) is the best option for himself and all Albertans, and he's the party's candidate for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake. The AAP was registered with Elections Alberta on Nov. 9, 2018. It was formed by members of the Wildrose Party following the 2017 merger with the Progressive Conservative Party to form the United Conservative Party.
"Our political system is a mess. I really think people need to stand up and step forward, common ordinary people, to get some common sense happening in government," said Vanderkley.
He said the AAP attracted him because he agrees with its policy that the province should have greater autonomy on immigrant selection.
"Alberta is our home. We want to know who is coming here. You don't just invite anybody into your house," said Vanderkley, adding he also likes the party's tough on crime stance. "The crime is out of control. We really do need to address the crime problem and we need more Crown prosecutors.
"They are so busy a lot of cases get dismissed without even going to trial," he said. "A lot of criminals keep walking and walking. Punishment does not meet the crime."
