Premier Jim Prentice says all Albertans have to bear some responsibility for the province's current financial mess -- but Albertans appear to be having none of it.
Prentice said in a radio interview on Wednesday that all Albertans have to shoulder some of the blame for the province's upcoming budget shortfall, which could run as high as $7 billion.
The shortfall has been triggered by the collapse of crude oil prices, but the premier suggested Albertans were also to blame, because they have had the "best of everything" for too long.
"In terms of who is responsible, we all need only look in the mirror," Prentice told the radio show. "All of us have had the best of everything and have not had to pay for what it costs.
"Collectively, we got into this as Albertans, and collectively we're going to get out of it, and everybody is going to have to shoulder some share of the responsibility."
The comments immediately infuriated many Albertans, who took to social media to lash out. Nearly a full day after the comments, the #PrenticeBlamesAlbertans Twitter hashtag continues to trend high in Canada.
We have the best of everything?! Tell that to our healthcare staff & people who wait for hours at the hospital #PrenticeBlamesAlbertans
— Mark E Mark (@iheartbaconz) March 5, 2015
#PrenticeBlamesAlbertans pic.twitter.com/ePP2eDTma8
— The Odd Squad (@OddSquad) March 5, 2015
"Look in the mirror", Prentice tells everyone but Prentice. #PrenticeBlamesAlbertans pic.twitter.com/TU19Xx6gi5
— sally poulsen (@SallyPoulsen) March 5, 2015
Actually, Prentice is quite right to blame Albertans. Who else is responsible for electing PC gov't, over and over? #PrenticeBlamesAlbertans
— Paula Simons (@Paulatics) March 5, 2015
#PrenticeBlamesAlbertans pic.twitter.com/fNvarkbYow
— Corinne Thiessen (@Claod_Idia) March 5, 2015
Corporate AB pulls Prentice aside & asks, "We don't have to look in the mirror, right?" #PrenticeBlamesAlbertans
— Marty Chan (@Marty_Chan) March 5, 2015
Got my mirror. I see Jim. I see Dave. I see Allison. I see Ed. I see Ralph. #PrenticeBlamesAlbertans #ableg pic.twitter.com/GXdu0LSVpO
— Garett Spelliscy (@GarettSpelliscy) March 5, 2015
Its our fault Alberta is in this mess. #PrenticeBlamesAlbertans http://t.co/uLTJ2gJBTN pic.twitter.com/hzeSCJc5n5
— Terry and Bill (@TnBonK97) March 5, 2015