Drumheller-Stettler Wild Rose Member-elect Rick Strankman has been selected by his party to be the Tourism, Parks and Recreation critic when the Alberta legislature sits.
Strankman was elected to be MLA for the Drumheller Stettler Riding and will be sworn in mid-May. This week he attend orientation at the Legislature and is excited to get to work.
“What the leaders told me is the government of the day really doesn’t have a policy in regards to Tourism, Parks and Recreation,” said Strankman. “A lot of it is quite open, and I am quite excited about this because in our riding we have the Royal Tyrrell Museum… there are many interesting things to do.”
A part of the Wildrose Party’s focus during the election was on accountability, and Strankman indicates that will be part of his focus going forward.
“I just don’t know how the funding (for tourism, parks and recreation) is coming forward so that’s is what my and my leaders’ quest is, to understand how the funding is coming forward with these things,” said Strankman.
He said there are more tourism possibilities within the area.
“Just 15 mile north of where I live in a little town called Bodo is a heritage site. The stories I have heard from the guys doing the research on it is that it may have more significance than Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump,” said Strankman. “Even if it isn’t in our constituency, I am anxious to learn more about it just as a start up. There are many other things.”
He sees some good potential for the growth of tourism.
“This is going to be innovative times going forward. As our province grows and with economic times worldwide in a negative position, people may stay closer to home and do tourism events in their communities or province,” said Strankman.
Wild Rose Party leader Danielle Smith made the announcement of the opposition critic roster on May 1.
“Today, we are united, excited and emboldened by the strong mandate we have been entrusted with to hold Alison Redford’s government to account over the next four years,” said Smith.
Member-elect for the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills Riding Bruce Rowe has been appointed critic of Municipal Affairs. Member-elect for Brooks Strathmore Jason Hale was named energy critic.
