Tory leadership hopefuls Ted Morton and Jim Dinning sparred over competing visions for Alberta's health care system at the first all-candidates forum sponsored by the party.

On Monday night in Medicine Hat, a standing room-only crowd greeted the eight men running to replace Premier Ralph Klein.

The candidates were quizzed on their stances on issues ranging from the oilsands project to a province-wide smoking ban.

However, there was little room for any actual debate due to a format that took written questions from the floor and then allowed each candidate to give a short reply.

Private versus public health care

Dinning and Morton offered opposing views when it came to the question of health care.

"It's got to be, and must remain, a publicly funded health care system," said Dinning.

"I think comments like the one my friend Jim just made are frankly irresponsible," said Morton, who wants Albertans to be able to buy private health care insurance.

The two also sparred when asked if they would limit the number of VLTs in the province.

"We have gambling today, it's legitimate, it's credible and people are choosing to do that," said Dinning.

"If it's there for their entertainment,  then that's fine. As gambling crosses the line and becomes an addiction, we've got to make sure that we are there to support those people."

Morton quipped: "I am a little surprised some of my friends are in favour of choice when it comes to gaming, but not in health care."

Conservative Party members will pick a new leader on Nov. 25.

The candidates will get to answer more questions from the party faithful at seven more forums around the province, with the next stop in Red Deer Wednesday.