Calgary-Foothills byelection: Final day of campaigning sees allegations fly
The final day of campaigning in the Calgary-Foothills byelection saw both the Progressive Conservatives and Wildrose toss allegations into the ring in hopes of swaying voters.
First, Wildrose cried foul about a robocall from the PC campaign which claimed polling showed the party had surpassed the NDP and was gaining on the Wildrose in the race to replace Jim Prentice.
"My concern is it would be misleading voters, letting them know information that isn't necessarily correct or comes from a non-legitimate source, which would impact their decision-making on election day," said Wildrose executive director Jeremy Nixon.
The party filed an official complaint because the robocall, featuring the voice of interim-leader Ric McIver, doesn't identify the source of the polling numbers, which is required under the Elections Act.
Nixon also has a hard time believing it's accurate.
"Based off the results, and the feedback we've been getting at the doors, that's not fathomable," said Nixon. "What we're seeing is this is a tight race between us and the NDP."
Seniors' housing
When asked about the Wildrose allegations about the robocall, McIver told reporters he would be interested to hear what the independent, non-partisan office of the Legislative Assembly says.
Meanwhile the PCs are accusing the NDP government of cutting funding for a subsidized housing program for seniors.
The Tories released a letter from the Calgary Housing Company that states funding for a rental supplement program is being reduced, which will lower the number of eligible rental units.
"In the face of that $6-billion deficit where they have explained to Albertans through the media that they're not going to eliminate any positions, right after that we learn that they are going to eliminate seniors housing positions... Boy, that's quite a contrast and one Albertans need to know about," said McIver.
Alberta's Finance Minister Joe Ceci replied to the accusation on Wednesday evening saying the change was made when the PCs were in power.
"It's unfortunate the former government made this cut," he said.
"The drop in oil prices has resulted in stress for families and businesses. Albertans currently receiving a rent supplement will not see any reduction and the seniors ministry is working closely with housing management bodies to address pressures."
