Building support for the upcoming Progressive Conservative party leadership race Ric McIver was at the Red Deer Public Market, shaking hands and getting his message out.
He is the only one of two announced candidates in the PC leadership race. On Saturday at the market he was getting some of the 500 signatures needed to run, signing up PC members and garnering supporters.
“I wanted to meet my bosses while I get the signatures,” said McIver, Calgary-Hays MLA. “I’m hearing all kinds of things, good stuff and criticisms.
“People are very engaged, they care about their province and they recognize the decisions government makes can affect their ability to make a living as well as their kids and grandkids.”
He resigned from his post as Infrastructure Minister to run for the leadership on May 6. He has also served as Transportation Minister under Redford.
McIver said he offers new thinking that is needed for his party and the leadership of the province, specifically when it comes to support for the economy.
“I’m trying to lead by example with some of the things I’m promising including simple things like senior members of my campaign team won’t be eligible for government contracts,” said McIver.
“I want to make changes where the people registered to lobby government on one hand shouldn’t be eligible to take government contracts on the other hand. Separating that helps ensure Albertans their interests are first and foremost.”
He and Jim Prentice are the only candidates left in the race for leader of the PC party. Ken Hughes, Calgary-West MLA, withdrew on May 12.
“What Albertans need is someone to operate with a high standard of integrity and someone to make sure the future is brighter,” said McIver.
“I want to be a server to the people, not a ruler over them.”
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com