Ric McIver to run in Alberta PC leadership race

Alberta'sProgressive Conservative (PC) Party hasanother candidate to consider as itprepares for a leadership race.

"My name is Ric McIver and I am running for PC leader," the Calgary MLA told reporters Wednesday morning.

• Ric McIver resigns from PC cabinet, sparks leadership speculation
• Ken Hughes 1st candidate for Alberta PC leadership
• 'Stay tuned' says Jim Prentice about Alberta Tory leadership

The first-term MLA resigned as infrastructureministerTuesdayahead of the announcement.

Even though he has been a cabinet minister for the past two years, where he also served as transportation minister,McIver says his government has lost its way and desperately needs new thinking.

He says politics is about getting things done for the people of Alberta, and that is why he is entering the race to replace Alison Redford.

McIver, who has a political track record as a fiscal conservative, says if he winshis chief of staff will never make more money than him.

"The chief of staff salary is set significantly higher than the premier's salary," he said. "This makes no sense."

He is also promising that the senior people on his campaign team wouldnot be eligible for future government jobs,andanyone who lobbies the government will not be allowed to get government work.

"Companies and individuals will have to pick sides," he said. "You either work for the government from the inside, or you work to influence the government from the outside."

Voters are the bosses, says MLA

McIver says he has ideas which don't come from MLAs or political insiders,they come from his bossesthe voters.

He points to the government's deal with the Tsuu T'ina Nation on the southwest Calgary ring road as a political achievement.

• Calgary's S.W. ring road deal signed at ceremony

McIver says politics is about getting things done for Albertans, and not about fancy planes or getting rich.

Redford had been in hot water before stepping down as premier for her flight expenses.CBC News reported Redford had flown her daughter on government planes dozens of times, including two long weekends in Jasper in which there is no record of the former premier conducting any government work.

• Alison Redford flew daughter on dozens of government flights

The only other candidate so far is Calgary MLA Ken Hughes, although a source close to former MP Jim Prentice told CBC News he will be joining the race soon.

The Alberta PC party has unanimously approved the use of electronic voting options such as online and mobile phones to select its next leaders.

The election committee says it wants to enable as many Albertans as possible to be partof the process toselect thenew leader.

The leadership convention will be held in September.