Ed Stelmach is officially in the race to replace Ralph Klein as the leader of the Alberta PC party.

The former Minister of International and Intergovernmental Affairs says charity is better than taxes, because he thinks Albertans should have a say over where their money goes.  He has a two point plan to support non-profit organizations.  "First of all, increasing the Alberta charitable tax credit," he said, "and secondly, from resource revenue, matching donations to the not-for-profit sectors." He says he'd increase the tax credit enough to double private donations within three years.

Stelmach's also worried by "Help Wanted" signs throughout the province.  He says Alberta needs a greater labour force to reach it's economic potential.  HIS FOUR POINT PLAN INCLUDES educating the labour force to fill more jobs, encouraging Aboriginal people to enter the workforce, increasing the number of temporary workers, and negotiating an immigration agreement with Ottawa that reflects Alberta's priorities. 

Finally, Stelmach sees the use of biodiesel and ethanol in the province as a way to help both farmers and the environment.  "A five percent blend of biodiesel will consume close to two thirds of the production of canola in this province," he said.  "It would also clean our environment, our air, because transportation is the number one contributing source of air pollution."

Stelmach also says consuming more grain locally could move world markets and encourage other countries to lower their tariffs and subsidies.