Opposition leaders react to throne speech
6:37 pm
_QR77 Newsroom
2/22/2011


Opposition parties are wondering where the governing Tories are headed after hearing Tuesday's throne speech.

Wildrose Alliance leader Danielle Smith thinks the premier and top ministers are missing in action.

"This government's going to get nothing done, they're all completely distracted by their own internal leadership battles. I think its going to be up to the opposition to work together to put forward the agenda for Albertans," explains Smith.

NDP leader Brian Mason goes so far as to suggest that's it's a hail mary from a party with one foot in the grave. Mason believes the speech shows that the Tories are looking back, and not to the future.

"Give at least a few positive things that you want to do, don't simply re-list the promises that you failed to keep. That is what this throne speech amounts to, it is a list of failed promises. This throne speech is in fact maybe the last will and testament of this government," explains Mason.

David Eggen with Friends of Medicare calls the speech a series of vague promises.

"This is the same government that turned our health system upside down and now they've let go of the wheel with people resigning and internal leadership squabbles. Whatever they might come up with, who's going to carry it out, who's gonna follow through?" explains Eggen.

Eggen says there's nothing new in terms of health care, calling the information simply "re-announcements."
Liberal leader David Swann has low expectations for the upcoming session at the Legislature.

Swann says some of the material simply amounts to busy work.

"Interesting to bring forward by a primary bill on improving markets. I'm not sure why a bill is necessary to our marketability across the world," explains Swann.

The Tories are putting forward a bill to push Alberta products in Asia. Right now, about 85% of our exports go to the U.S., and the Conservatives feel that's too much reliance on one customer.

Opposition leaders will have more chances to hammer away at the Conservatives when the budget is read on Thursday.