UCP leadership candidate disappointed with party’s budget shortfall

A leadership candidate for Alberta’s new conservative party says it won’t be a credible voice for fiscal management if it can’t get its own finances in order.

Doug Schweitzer says the United Conservative Party caucus needs to take action to reverse a projected $337,000 deficit this year.

A merger of the Wildrose and Progressive Conservative parties to create the UCP has resulted in a duplication of staff and a loss of legislature funding.

Former Wildrose leader Brian Jean, who is also running for the new party’s leadership, says caucus will make the necessary changes to come in on budget if he wins.