Redford calls Mulcair 'divisive and ill-informed'

Premier Alison Redford used Facebook and Twitter on Wednesday to call federal NDP Leader Tom Mulcair "divisive and ill-informed" for his recent comments about the Alberta oilsands.

Mulcair said last week that the oilsands have created a high Canadian dollar, which in turn has hurt the country's manufacturing sector, largely based in central Canada. He went even further this week calling Redford, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and B.C. Premier Christy Clark "messengers" of Prime Minister Stephen Harper for criticizing him. 

Redford said in a post on her Facebook page that Mulcair's remarks "do not display national leadership."

"Alberta has strict environmental laws that support the responsible development of the oilsands. His claims about unregulated development and disregard for the environment are false," she wrote.

"I would also like to make it clear to Mr. Mulcair that as premier of Alberta I expect that someone would have the courtesy to properly inform themselves rather than making disparaging comments about Alberta."

Redford has so far declined to be interviewed about her social media posts. Instead, she is expected to make a statement to reporters on Thursday.

Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk retweeted Redford's comments and says Mulcair's views show a lack of knowledge of how the oilsands benefit the entire country.

"Just in the province of Ontario, the oilsands generate directly more jobs than the auto industry," he said.

Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith waded into the fray by attacking both Mulcair and Redford in a written statement.

"Thomas Mulcair appears to be carrying on the tradition of eastern politicians pitting Alberta’s oilsands against the rest of the country for political gain," she said. "We still have some work to do, but by repeatedly attacking Alberta’s oilsands, Mr. Mulcair is threatening to undo a lot of the goodwill that has been fostered across the country."

"His comments should also serve as a stern reminder to Premier Alison Redford of the uninformed and dangerous attitudes that some in Eastern Canada have about our province. She should consider their true implications as she insists on forging ahead with a so-called Canadian Energy Strategy."