The trio of Progressive Conservative leadership contenders became a quartet Thursday as Justice Minister and Attorney General Alison Redford resigned her post and entered the fray.
The one-term MLA from Calgary-Elbow brings a lengthy pre-politics resume, with extensive work overseas on justice issues.
Redford said Premier Ed Stelmach's resignation was a big surprise to her, but given the opening is there she wants to be a part of creating Alberta's future.
Lately it is seems as though the province has lost some of its focus and drive, she said.
"I know how I feel about this province and I know how I felt about this province when I was young and how much hope and optimism I had for what we had in Alberta. It seems to me that we have lost a bit of that excitement and a bit of that pride."
Redford said she is looking forward to engaging with Albertans on the issues and hearing what they have to say.
"I think it is time for a complete conversation about what Albertans want their government to be."
Redford said she's aware that government hasn't always been responsive to what people want.
"People are looking for government that is accountable, transparent, responsive and creative and that's not something, as a minister for three years … I have seen a lot of."
During her time as justice minister Redford worked on the province's safe communities initiative, which required bringing a number of ministries together. That's something she would like to see government do more often.
Energy capital
The province's energy resources could be used in more dynamic ways, Redford said, adding she would like to see Alberta become better know internationally for its strength in the field.
Alberta certainly has energy resources, but hasn't become the world leader the way other jurisdictions have dominated certain industries.
"We haven't been able yet, and I think it is worth trying to do this, to capture all of that in a way that we are thought of as the same as banking in Switzerland or the Silicon Valley in California."
Redford said she would also like to see the industry create closer ties to the province's educational institutions for the benefit of both.
"If multinational companies are coming to Alberta and getting involved in projects here, there is no reason why we wouldn't be able to encourage them to get involved with our post-secondary institutions."
Cabinet shuffle
Redford's departure and the loss of Doug Horner, who stepped down as advanced education minister to make his own leadership run led to a cabinet shuffle this week.
Wetaskiwin-Camrose MLA Verlyn Olson was sworn as justice minister and attorney general on Friday, while Lethbridge West MLA Greg Weadick took Horner's former post.
Red Deer South MLA Cal Dallas was sworn in as parliamentary assistant to the department of finance, replacing MLA Doug Griffiths who earlier this week declared his intention to run for the leadership.
