The three candidates vying for the leadership spot of the Alberta Party were in Red Deer last night for a meet and greet at the Black Knight Inn.

The Alberta party has been without a leader since Greg Clark stepped down last November, saying the move was necessary to build the party for the next provincial election.

Rick Fraser, MLA for Calgary-South East says their party is gaining a lot of momentum right now from voters in Alberta who don't feel a connection to the other major parties in our province.

“In the Alberta Party I think there is lots of excitement and ability to do that. I think there is a lot of people who don’t find themselves in either party right now, whether it be the NDP or the UCP, so there’s that opportunity for people to find a home in the Alberta Party.”

Calgary lawyer and first time candidate Kara Levis says people are worn out on the policies of the NDP, and the constant change and fighting that occurred during the formation of the United Conservative Party.

“We’re trying to create a space for those people who are not comfortable with where the other parties are looking to take the province, and I think we have a great vision that people are really going to get behind.”

Former Edmonton Mayor and Alberta PC Health Minister Stephen Mandel is also seeking the top spot. He announced his intent a little over a week ago, just before the January 15th deadline.

Mandel says a government who is responsible with tax payers money isn’t one who increases taxes while cutting services.

“Fiscally responsible isn’t just about cutting things. Albertans want services, they want good education, good post-secondary education, good health care and social programs that help people. So you have to have a balance, it’s not just a matter of telling everybody too bad, we are going to cut everything. It’s a matter of delivering good services, in a reasonable price, with an effective government.”

The vote for leader will take place between February 25th and 27 through a preferential online ballot.

(Rick Fraser, MLA for Calgary-South East)

(Calgary lawyer and first time candidate Kara Levis)