Since winning the provincial election in April 2012, Premier Alison Redford is scheduled to make her first visit to Stettler this Friday afternoon, along with other cabinet ministers.
“We invite and expect people to join us on our visits,” said Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk, who plans to accompany the premier on the opening day of the Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede.
Premier Redford plans to arrive in the region at Stettler Town and Country Museum at 1 p.m., with an entourage that includes Tourism, Parks, and Recreation Minister Richard Starke, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Verlyn Olson, and International and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Cal Dallas.
“When we go out there, we meet with all municipal councils and leaders and have a face-to-face conversation — that’s what makes it so special,” Klimchuk said. “These tours are very important as we speak with Albertans and see what’s on their minds.”
The group plans to trek to Big Valley to meet with officials of the Canadian Badlands tourism organization at 2:45 p.m., and also visit a local bison farm before going to Rosebud and Drumheller.
The government says the visit is part of the Building Alberta Cabinet Tour, “where cabinet members reach out to Albertans to discuss issues and to support the local tourism economy.”
The culture minister thanked communities who have supported southern Albertans struck by flooding this past spring.
“I look at all the outpouring of support and I just want to say thank you to all the volunteers in the Stettler area,” Klimchuk said.
Premier Redford last appeared in the riding during the 2012 election campaign, for the opening of the Drumheller PC campaign office.