The leader of the Freedom Conservative Party launched his party's campaign in Calgary on Thursday with a promise that Alberta would drop out of the federal equalization program if he becomes premier. Derek Fildebrandt said that policy is part of the FCP plan to fundamentally change Alberta's relationship with the federal government. "Only the Freedom Conservative Party is dedicated to breaking the grip of Ottawa and putting Alberta first," he said as he unveiled the first plank of his party's platform at the Bridgeland Community Association in northeast Calgary. Vote Compass: Compare your views to the party platforms in AlbertaWhen that party merged with the Progressive Conservatives to form the United Conservative Party, he stayed in the caucus until 2017. A year ago, he was told he wasn't welcome to rejoin the UCP, and went on to establish the Freedom Conservative Party in July 2018.

Source: CBC News March 21, 2019 16:47 UTC