Jim Prentice already beginning transition to Alberta premier’s office

EDMONTON – Alberta’s incoming premier is already getting down to work as he prepares to take over the scandal plagued Progressive Conservative government.

Jim Prentice announced his transition team yesterday, headed by Tim Hearn, the former chairman and CEO of Imperial Oil.

And this morning the Premier-Designate is scheduled to meet with interim Premier Dave Hancock to get the transition ball rolling.

Prentice won the leadership on Saturday, trouncing two members of the Tory caucus.

He’s promising to restore the bond of trust between Albertans and their elected officials, and to return to sound conservative fiscal principles.

Prentice inherits a government whose popularity was badly wounded under the leadership of former premier Alison Redford.

Redford resigned in March amid allegations she used tax dollars to pay for lavish trips and office perks, including a pricey penthouse suite on top of a government building.

Hancock has been filling in since Redford left office.

It’s not clear when Prentice will be sworn in — or when he might run in a by-election to get a seat in the legislature.

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