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Alberta Premier Hancock outlines four broad economic goals and principles

Alberta Premier Dave Hancock has outlined a set of principles he says will help focus the province’s economic sector and deliver better results.

EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Dave Hancock has outlined a set of principles he says will help focus the province’s economic sector and deliver better results.

“The economic development community has come together to say we need a road map, we need to know where we’re going to focus,” Hancock told a news conference Thursday.

“We will hang on this framework a number of particular action agenda items: a small business strategy, the innovation framework that’s being developed (and) the rural economic development framework.”

The goals are to expand market access, improve resource industries, support companies with high-growth potential and inspire entrepreneurs.

It makes sense to roll out the plan now, even though there will be a new premier in place by the fall, Hancock said.

“We have a team of people who were elected in 2012, and we have a government that’s been in office and was elected to do things,” he said.

“The work that’s being done isn’t being done in isolation. This isn’t my invention.

“The new (premier) will bring some strategic focus, will bring some vision in terms of the long term and the big picture, but that doesn’t stop the work that government does along the way.”

Jim Prentice, Thomas Luksazuk and Ric McIver are vying to replace former premier Alison Redford as PC party leader and premier.

Voting is set for September.