Premier Jason Kenney predicted sunnier economic skies ahead for Alberta at the Westerner Days President’s Luncheon on Wednesday.
Kenney said Alberta has always been a province that celebrates enterprise, risk taking, wealth creation and opportunity.
“We’ve been through some challenging years of late, but I really hope and believe that we are getting our economy back on track. And I know we are fighting for a fair deal for Alberta in the Canadian federation.
“Albertans are natural optimists. They just need a reason for their optimism, and I think we see lots of those reasons right now.”
Kenney emphasized the importance of having a sense of gratitude for Albertans who came before us and to celebrate the province’s rural roots.
Westerner Days is a way to remember those roots and show thanks for “our pioneers, for our tough women and men who built this society.”
Alberta’s rural history is remembered through Westerner Days agricultural exhibitions, chuckwagon races and numerous other activities, he said.
“And now with the Canadian Finals Rodeo that you hosted here at the exhibition — congratulations — you honour our rural roots.
“Here in central Alberta, we’ve got a great diversified economy, but it all started with agriculture.
“Without farmers and our ranchers we wouldn’t be here.”