The National Citizens Coalition (NCC) today extended their congratulations to Premier Ed Stelmach and the Alberta PC party for their majority victory in Monday’s provincial election. However, the NCC also reminded the Alberta government that now is the time to get on with the prudent financial management of the provinces economy.

“This victory is by no means a mandate for big spending initiatives,” said NCC President Peter Coleman.   “What this victory means is that Premier Stelmach and the Alberta government have an opportunity to put a stop to out of control spending and focus on the highest priorities: Health, infrastructure and holding the size of government to a responsible and economically sustainable level.”

The NCC believes that this victory gives Premier Stelmach an opportunity to own up to the damage the royalty hike has had on the oil and gas industry and fix this mistake. This would repair the damaged relationship between the Alberta government and the provinces primary industry and would ensure that they do not accidentally extinguish the Alberta Advantage.

“We understand that the royalty review was never meant to target conventional oil and gas, but rather was meant to review the unconventional oil sands royalties,” added Coleman.  “Raising the royalties on conventional oil and gas was totally unexpected and has seriously damaged that side of the industry.  Jobs are being lost, investment and financing has dried up, and the junior and medium size companies are bearing the brunt of the new regime.  The PC victory in Monday’s election gives this government the opportunity to stand up for the little guy as well as big oil.”
 
During the provincial election the NCC ran an extensive multi-media ad campaign to ensure the politicians focused on the issues most important to Albertans. The NCC will continue this campaign of radio and newspaper advertisement until significant changes have been made and this government demonstrates that they have the best interest of Albertan’s in mind.