Wildrose candidate Derek Fildebrandt is challenging Tory Finance Minister Robin Campbell to a debate as the two parties spar over their respective fiscal plans ahead of the May 5 provincial election.
Wildrose has been blasting the Progressive Conservative budget over its collection of tax hikes and lack of deep spending cuts.
The Tories, in turn, held a news conference with Campbell and other senior ministers on Friday to expose what they claim is a $29 billion funding gap in Wildrose’s plan.
In a news release Sunday, Fildebrandt — a former Alberta director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and the Wildrose candidate in Strathmore-Brooks — said he wants to take on Campbell one-on-one.
“The PCs are running scared and have resorted to typical fear tactics and misinformation about the Wildrose fiscal plan,” he said.
However, it doesn’t appear likely such as debate will happen.
PC campaign spokesman Mike Storeshaw said Tory Leader Jim Prentice is looking forward to debating Wildrose Leader Brian Jean on fiscal issues when the provincial leaders participate in a televised debate this Thursday.
“Mr. Fildebrandt would be better served debating the candidates in his own constituency,” said Storeshaw.
