Jim Prentice has been elected by PC Party members as the next premier of Alberta and not surprisingly, both Grande Prairie-area MLAs are happy with the results.
Grande Prairie – Smoky MLA Everett McDonald says he’s looking forward to working with the former cabinet minister.
“He’s listened to Albertans, especially in the last couple of months, and particularly in rural Alberta, where I think it’s really important we don’t lose our focus with our rural roads and our agriculture, and he does get that; he understands it, and he’s prepared to make some changes there, and we’re really excited about that.”
McDonald admits his party needs to rebuild the confidence of rural communities, especially after frustration about property rights after the last election.
He also hopes a change in his cabinet team will help take the party and province in a new direction.
Grande Prairie – Wapiti MLA Wayne Drysdale echoes those sentiments, arguing his wealth of experience made him the best candidate.
That could come into play when it comes to moving the Northern Gateway Pipeline forward.
“He has experience as Aboriginal Relations Minister in the federal government, and environment. Those are the two governments we’re going to need to help get this pipeline through to the west coast so we can get a world price for our products here in Alberta, and I think he’s the guy that has the experience to get that done.”
Drysdale says Prentice also understands the importance that infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and roads are to our region.
