Edmonton – Official Opposition Leader Raj Sherman says the PC pre-election cabinet tour of Alberta shows that all that’s changed in the old PC party is the cut of the leader’s suit.

The government refuses to release the full tour itinerary. Instead, they will release stops the day before cabinet members arrive, leaving citizens little opportunity to participate in a supposedly open process.

“Premier Redford was elected on a platform of doing things differently, but this tour is the same old same old dog-and-pony show we’ve seen before,” Sherman says. “It’s a whack-a-mole tour; the public doesn’t know when or where cabinet members will pop out of hiding until the day before, giving constituents very little time to arrange participation in these meetings. How is the government supposed to get honest, open feedback from Albertans under these circumstances?”

According to Sherman, the answer is simple: the Redford government isn’t really interested in hearing from anyone but their existing supporters.

“I’d laugh if this transparent pre-election tour weren’t being paid for with taxpayer dollars,” Sherman says. “When I travel across the province, I give people a heads-up. I’m prepared to respond to tough questions, to have an open and honest discussion. That’s the basic courtesy elected officials owe their constituents.”

“They may have a new leader, but the PC party is up to the same old tricks,” Sherman concludes. “Albertans deserve better.”

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