Cal Dallas becomes latest Alberta PC MLA who won’t seek re-election

EDMONTON – Red Deer South MLA Cal Dallas has announced he won’t attempt a third term in the legislature.

Dallas made the announcement on his Facebook page:

“I firmly believe that in Premier Prentice, his cabinet and our government caucus, we have a team that will guide Alberta with vision and decisiveness through the coming years.

However, renewal is an essential component of our democracy and so today I am announcing that at the completion of this term I will not seek re-election.”

Dallas hasn’t explained why he’s decided to not run in the next election.

READ MORE: Musical chairs continues in Alberta politics

The two-term MLA served as intergovernmental affairs minister under Alison Redford, but is now a backbencher.

Alana DeLong, a four-term legislature member for Calgary Bow, also announced on Friday she won’t run again.

Dallas and Delong join a long list of PC MLAs who have recently either announced they won’t seek re-election or have handed in their resignation. The list includes former finance minister Doug Horner, former health minister Fred Horne, Doug Griffiths, Mary Anne Jablonski, Rob Anderson, Genia Leskiw, Donna Kennedy-Glans and Alana DeLong.

On Monday, Liberal leader Raj Sherman announced he won’t run in the next election and is stepping down as leader of Alberta’s Liberal Party.

READ MORE: Amid election speculation, Alberta politicians return to legislature March 10

The announcements come amid growing speculation of a possible provincial election this year.