So, that's Harper and Poilievre in Danielle Smith's camp, along with former PC cabinet minister Ted Morton.
For the NDP, endorsements come from many former Progressive Conservatives, ranging from Thomas Lukaszuk and Doug Griffiths to peeps from Peter Lougheed's inner circle
And in a shocking twist that rivals Harper's endorsement of Smith, former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi is endorsing the NDP.
A bit of a party to greet Art Pawlowski at his moon presser where he’s promising more info on his interactions with Danielle Smith. #yeg#yyc#ableg
Okay, Art Pawlowski’s plan to hold his presser on the ledge steps is apparently changing, he’s holding it on the federal plaza, so now we’re all heading that way wheeeeee
Danielle Smith announces that UCP Bill 1 would be 'The Taxpayer Protection Amendment Act' - legislation meaning any increase on personal taxes or corporate taxes would need to pass a referendum- also pledges to strengthen same against PST proposals. #yeg#yyc#ableg
Smith asked if she would include a carbon tax in this legislation.
She says her government continues to fight it, and calls on Rachel Notley to end the retail carbon tax, says removing it is their first priority.
What about claims that canvassers are saying vote UCP, not Danielle Smith?
Smith says she loves robust debate in her caucus and delighted that her candidates can go door to door to talk about the issues they want to talk about.
Notley making her pitch to tepid Conservative voters.
Says she will not raise income taxes, fees and personal costs.
Adds she will balance budget and not run deficits.
Says economic plan will create good jobs and draw investment.
Notley says she will put Albertans priorities every time.
Cites going toe to toe with "BC's NDP government" to make sure the TMX expansion went ahead.
Notley says she's hearing from weary conservatives that Smith flip flops, that they can't trust her, and that she's talked about tearing down health care in the past
Danielle Smith asked if she would include vaccine status in Human Rights Act.
Says "we're not going to do that."
But adds they are waiting on Preston Manning's interim report and look at recommendations and make decisions about future pandemics then. #yeg#yyc#ableg
What influence does Take Back Alberta have on your government?
Smith says UCP is one person, one vote- calls it a very positive approach to have many voices.
Adds in this model, there's no way that TBA rises to that level of influence.
Smith asked about need to offer a broader correction on NDP net zero costing.
Says they don't have to do that, adds that they're numbers were correct because the $87B figure was based on two reports, not just the Navius one.
UCP leader Danielle Smith lays out her party's job and economy plan.
That includes launching the 'Alberta is Calling' signing bonus - a $1,200 payment to newcomers who fill voids in applicable fields. #yeg#yyc#ableg
Smith also announces as AB graduation retention tax credit to keep more graduates in Alberta- which would be a non-refundable tax credit worth between $3k-$10k, depending on the program.
Smith also announces a streamlining of certification for skilled trades and HC workers.
They'll also expand auto-credentialing and internationally trained professions.