While four NDP MLAs from the Calgary area have already announced they won’t be seeking re-election next year, Premier Rachel Notley downplayed the notion that it should reflect negatively on the state of her party.
Michael Connolly, who represents the riding of Calgary-Hawkwood, announced over the weekend he would be leaving the legislature when his first and only term comes to an end.
He joins Calgary-Varsity MLA Stephanie McLean, Calgary-Acadia MLA Brandy Payne and Calgary-Northern Hills MLA Jamie Kleinsteuber, who have also announced they won’t be running again in 2019.
Connolly called his choice “a personal decision” and said he hadn’t yet figured out what he wants to do next.
Speaking with reporters on Monday, Notley said there’s no reason to worry that this is a bad sign for the NDP in Calgary.
“I’ve been in elected politics since 2008 and you will often see people resign and decide on different careers, a certain percentage of them every year, or every time there’s an election,” the premier said.
“I think it’s well within the range of normal; probably a lot less than what you’ve been seeing in the opposition. But either way, you know, I think folks are moving on to other things and we wish them well.”
Polls suggest the NDP trail Jason Kenney’s UCP leading up to next year’s vote, but Connolly said that “wasn’t a factor” in his decision.
Transportation Minister and government house leader Brian Mason, who represents Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood and served as NDP leader from 2004 to 2014, has also announced this term will be his last.
“Public service is a big job; it takes a toll and sometimes folks want to move on to other opportunities,” Notley said. “I’m just so very proud of the service that we’ve received from all our members of caucus.”
Notley made the remarks following a special ceremony at the McDougall Centre in Calgary on Monday afternoon, which commemorated the 40th anniversary of Kananaskis Country.
Notley announced the province would invest more than $12 million into parks, campground and sustainable recreation in the region for the 2018-19 season.
Joe Lougheed — son of former Premier Peter Lougheed, who was instrumental in creating the park — said the investment is welcome news and will help ensure K-Country continues to be a special place for years to come.
“The legacy of Kananaskis . . . belongs to all those individuals and organizations who helped make it a reality and we thank them for their collective vision,” Lougheed said. “The future legacy and protection of Kananaskis now belongs in the hands of all Albertans.”
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