Morton Plans To Modernize

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Ted Morton, candidate for PC Party leadership, recently announced his plan to modernize the Alberta government and reform the Alberta PC Party.

"I am committed to strengthening our democracy, and a Ted Morton government will pursue an agenda of democratic renewal that will give Albertans the most transparent, accountable government in Canada," Mr. Morton said.

Morton vowed to institute a series of democratic reforms intended to restore Albertans' trust in their government, including the introduction of fixed election dates, term limits for Premier, reduction of the size of Cabinet from 24 to 17 members, holding new Senate elections in conjunction with Alberta's provincial elections and consulting with Albertans on other opportunities for direct democracy and the creation of an Alberta Constitution.

Morton also stated that "the need for democratic reform and accountability does not end at the front door of the PC Party" and committed to party renewal - from top to bottom. His plan calls for modernizing the party's systems and practices, rebuilding the base and restoring the importance of constituency associations, developing a Policy Blue Book like Preston Manning and Stephen Harper have done with the federal Conservative Party, and amending the current Leadership Selection Process by adopting a cut-off date for the sale of memberships before balloting begins, thereby rewarding loyal party members.

Morton's prescription for the party is a simple one. "We have to stop asking 'What's best for the PC Party?' and start asking 'What's best for Albertans'? If we put Albertans first, then Albertans will put us first."

For more information visit www.tedmorton.ca.