Hancock, in first party speech as Alberta premier, apologizes for Redford era

EDMONTON – In his first speech to Progressive Conservative party members as premier, Dave Hancock apologized to them for the mistakes of the Alison Redford era.

Without mentioning Redford by name, Hancock told about 1,300 party members in Edmonton that he was sorry the governing caucus lost touch with the grassroots.

Hancock said they stopped listening, took Albertans for granted and acted in a way contrary to party values.

But he said while their behaviour went off the rails, the core of their character remains strong.

He told them his team is looking forward,not backward, and will prove themselves again through policies, practices and legislation.

Redford was not at the dinner, and has not been seen in the legislature since she resigned in mid-March in a scandal over lavish spending on herself and her inner circle.