Prentice, Dirks, Mandel blasted by Wildrose for mid-campaign government work

It's the last weekend of campaigning in the four Alberta byelections and Wildrose leader Danielle Smith says it's not appropriate for the candidates holding government positions to make official announcements during the campaign.

In a news conference Friday, Smith condemned Premier Jim Prentice, Health Minister Stephen Mandel and Education Minister Gordon Dirks all of whom are seeking election in the Calgary and Edmonton byelections on Monday to make government announcements during the campaign because of their candidacies.

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"The announcements they have been making have been paid for by taxpayer dollars," Smith said. "It's not right. In other provinces, they wouldn't be able to get away with it it's illegal."

In particular, Smith saysshe takesissue with Dirks's plans to takepart in a school sod-turning event in Aspen Woods.

Aspen Woods is part of the provincial riding of Calgary-West, where Mike Ellis is running for Dirk's Progressive Conservative Party.

Dirks is a candidate in the neighbouring riding of Calgary-Elbow, which was formerly held by Alison Redford.

Smith saidDirks's appearance at the Calgary-West school could be an indication of how tight his party feels the race there is.

Ellis is being challenged in Calgary-West by former Calgary Board of Education trustee Sheila Taylor, local lawyer David Khan, diesel technician Brian Malkinson and Troy Millington, a computer consultant.