Redford's replacement Dave Hancock promises 'government Albertans want'

Andrea Janus, CTVNews.ca Published Thursday, March 20, 2014 6:31AM EDT Last Updated Thursday, March 20, 2014 5:21PM EDT

Saying its been a strange day or two, Dave Hancock reassured Albertans Thursday that their Progressive Conservative government was moving forward, after his caucus selected him to be their interim leader and the provinces premier.

The five-term MLA was handed the post less than 24 hours after Alison Redford announced that she will step down effective Sunday. Redford had struggled to contain a caucus revolt and plummeting poll numbers.

Hancock gives a government in turmoil a steady, experienced hand. He is a five-term MLA who has served in cabinet posts such as health and education. Redford named him deputy premier during her most recent cabinet shuffle a few months ago.

Its been a strange day or two, but Im humbled and privileged to have the confidence of caucus to provide leadership for the government as we go forward, Hancock told reporters Thursday.

We will be providing the government that Albertans want and expect, (that) they elected us to do.

The government will get to work passing the recently tabled provincial budget and will move forward with other items on the spring legislative agenda, Hancock said. It will also not abandon the Building Alberta fund, a massive infrastructure project that includes hospitals, schools and roads, Hancock vowed.

Redford stepped down during a brief but emotional press conference at the Alberta legislature Wednesday night following months of growing voter outrage over what they perceived to be lavish travel spending, including a $45,000 trip to Nelson Mandelas funeral.

In recent days, two PC MLAs stepped down from caucus over leadership and other concerns.

Quite simply, I am not prepared to allow party and caucus infighting to get in the way of building a better future for our province and for all Albertans, Redford said Wednesday night. And that is why I am announcing today that with a profound optimism for Albertas future, I am resigning as premier of Alberta, effective this Sunday.

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Redford's replacement Dave Hancock promises 'government Albertans want'