Dozens of Albertans rallied at the Legislature Saturday to protest comments made by Premier Jim Prentice and to blame the government for creating a fiscal crisis.
The 'hand-mirror rally' was in response to comments Prentice made during a radio interview earlier in the week that said Albertans need to look in the mirror if they want to know who is responsible for the province’s fiscal situation.
Protestors said the comment was a “slap in the face”.
“It was a slap in the face for all citizens who do their best,” Trudy told CTV News.
She said she hoped an election would change things for the better.
“I think that is the biggest thing that could turn things around in this province is if we had a different government. It is the tired, old one that needs some change.”
Activist Mike Hudema agreed.
“We have had over 40 years of conservative rule in this province and they have fashioned our economic policy. They are the reason we are in the economic deficit that we are in,” Hudema said.
“They are the reason why we haven’t saved for future generations to help us out in times of economic downturn. They are the reason why our economy isn’t diversified. And they are the reason why we don’t have a fair taxation system that would have brought a lot more revenue to this province,” he added.
NDP’s Brian Mason was also there, joined by Liberal Laurie Blakeman and union leader Gil McGowan.
Many said they were hoping the PC’s would raise corporate taxes to cover the deficit.
“He needs to restructure how taxes are collected,” Elaine Cardinal explained, adding she was concerned about the future of the education system.
“I feel like this government could do more things to help with what is going on in Alberta right now.”
With files from Nicole Weisberg
