The province is heading to the polls on May 5th.
Premier Jim Prentice made the announcement this morning, saying Albertans need to make tough choices.
“Who has a realistic plan to solve the challenges that face Alberta? Who is being honest with Albertans? And who has the realistic plan to put things right in this province.”
The province’s “tough choices” budget was laid out last week, and Premier Jim Prentice says Albertas need the opportunity to judge that plan and compare it to the other parties’.
Prentice also kicked off the PC Party’s campaign, reiterating some of the points of the province’s 10 year plan.
“We will not borrow against our children’s future. We will double the Heritage Fund, increasing the amount we save. We will live within our means, we will diversify our economy, and we will rebuild the Alberta advantage.”
Fixed election date legislation had an election scheduled for spring 2016, but Prentice argues it would cost the same amount to hold it now.
Candidate nominations officially start today, ending April 17th.
In the Grande Prairie – Wapiti riding, MLA Wayne Drysdale is running again for the PC Party, and so far Mary Dahr for the NDP and Rory Tarant for the Alberta Party are up against him.
In GP – Smoky, PC MLA Everett McDonald is looking for reelection. Challenging him are Todd Loewen for the Wildrose, Todd Russell for the NDP, and Kevin McLean for the Liberals.