Six months after Naheed Nenshi replaced her as leader of the Alberta NDP, former premier Rachel Notley announced she will be resigning from her role as MLA for Edmonton Strathcona.
Notley revealed her plans in a social media post on Thursday. She said it is with “mixed feelings” that she plans to send a letter to the Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly to advise she intends to resign effective Dec. 30.
“It was last January this year when I announced I would be stepping down as leader of Alberta’s NDP,” Notley wrote. “I was excited and proud to see our membership swell to over 80,000 members as four worthy (leadership) contestants sought their votes in June of this year.
“Naheed Nenshi’s selection represents a tremendous opportunity for all Albertans seeking practical solutions to the affordability crisis, along with a genuine commitment to fixing our healthcare so that all Albertans can get the support they need no matter where they live or how much they earn.”
Nenshi released a statement about Notley’s decision on his X account, calling for a “moment of reflection and gratitude.”
“You’ve often heard me describe Rachel as a once-in-a-lifetime politician,” his statement reads in part. “She grew our movement into government and now the largest opposition in the history of Alberta. And for that we are deeply grateful.
“Since my selection, she has been extraordinary generous and helpful, and I truly appreciate her guidance during my first legislative session.”
At a news conference to talk about border security on Thursday, Premier Danielle Smith was asked about Notley stepping away from her role in the legislature.
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“When you look at the support that she got in her community during elections, people felt very well represented by her,” Smith said.
“I’ll look forward to seeing what her next steps are.”
Notley’s statement did not indicate what she plans to do in the future, but the 60-year-old politician later held a news conference via video conference call in which she indicated she is not planning to enter the political arena at a federal or municipal level.
Notley called the opportunity to spend nearly 17 years serving her neighbourhood “an indescribable honour.”
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“Edmonton Strathcona is a diverse constituency, defined by an unparalleled level of connection between its residents that plays out every day at festivals, independent small businesses of all types, theatres, schools, playgrounds, parks, trails, and community leagues,” she said.
“To all of my constituents, thank you for putting your trust in me over these many years, and thank you for your support, advice and engagement along the way. To the staff and volunteers who worked beside me to make life better for Albertans, your work contributed to doing just that, in so many ways.
“To my fellow caucus members, you’re a dedicated, caring and fun team. I’m going to miss you, but mostly I can’t wait for you to form government so you can get to work building a better future for all Albertans.”
During her time governing with the Alberta NDP, Notley raised the provincial minimum wage, began phasing out coal-fired electricity and introduced a consumer carbon tax which was later replaced by a federal levy.
Notley also increased labour standards, although some of those changes impacting the agriculture sector saw opposition from some farmers, triggering protests outside the legislature.
When asked what some of her personal highlights are from her time in the legislature, Notley mentioned instances where constituents would randomly approach her in public and tell her a story of how the NDP made a difference in their lives. She also said she was proud of her government’s role in getting the the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary built.
The Alberta-raised politician’s time as premier was a tumultuous one. Prior to her taking on the role, the price of oil began to decline dramatically.
Notley also expressed gratitude to her family members for their support throughout her political career.
In 2015, Notley led the NDP to one of the most stunning political upsets in Alberta election history by forming a majority government, ending the Progressive Conservatives’ 44 years in power.
In 2019, the newly-formed United Conservative Party — led by Jason Kenney — won the provincial election but Notley stayed on as Opposition leader and led the NDP through the 2023 election campaign which resulted in Smith’s victory for the UCP.
Notley asked about future of her riding
Notley was asked if Nenshi, who does not currently have a seat in the legislature, plans to run for a seat in her riding.
She said Nenshi will be the one to announce where he plans to run a campaign to get elected but noted the former Calgary mayor has expressed interest in running somewhere where he also works, which would now include Alberta’s capital.
Notley added that she hopes a byelection will be called in Edmonton Strathcona as quickly as possible.
–with files from Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press
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