Watch above: Alison Redford won a majority government less than two years ago, but resigns after questions about expenses and a big drop in popularity. Vassy Kapelos reports.
EDMONTON – After representing the province for nearly two and a half years, Alberta Premier Alison Redford has resigned her post.
“I love Alberta,” said Redford. “I’ve given my heart and my soul to this province every single minute of the day for the last two and a half years.
“With profound optimism for Alberta’s future, I am resigning as premier of Alberta, effective this Sunday evening.”
Redford made the surprise announcement Wednesday evening at the Alberta Legislature, after weeks of pressure from both opposition members and those in her caucus.
READ MORE: Alberta Premier Alison Redford resigns
In an address to the media later Wednesday evening, PC Party president Jim McCormick thanked Redford for her time as leader of the party and government.
“No one can doubt her hard work and commitment to public service,” said McCormick. “We know this has been a difficult four weeks for our members, but we look forward to showing our tens of thousands of supporters and volunteers, and indeed all Albertans, that we remain the best option for Alberta. We look forward to leading this province well into the future.”
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Redford was elected as an MLA in 2008, then made history in October 2011 when she won the PC leadership race, becoming Alberta’s first female premier.
“This is about change,” she said as she stepped into her role as premier. “Albertans have said they are ready to embrace this and we’re going to bring that to them.”
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A general election followed in the spring, when Redford’s PCs took home a clear majority.
“Today, Alberta, you spoke. And you spoke loudly. And I want you to know that I heard you.”
WATCH: Was Alison Redford’s resignation a surprise?
But from the now infamous ‘no-meet committee’ to Redford’s most recent criticism surrounding travel expenses and her leadership style, the 29 months that followed her election weren’t without controversy.
Redford’s announcement Wednesday came just one hour before the presidents of PC constituency associations in Calgary and Edmonton were due to meet to vote on whether to ask Redford to resign, sources told Global News.
READ MORE: PC constituency presidents to vote on asking Redford to resign: report
Now the process of naming an interim leader begins; the party caucus will meet Thursday to discuss that process. The party’s board of directors will meet Monday in Red Deer to decide how to pick the next premier.
“The PC party constitution requires a leadership selection to be held when the position of leader becomes vacant,” McCormick said. “That process can take no less than four months and no more than six months from when the leader resigns.”
A spokesperson from Redford’s office confirms she will stay on as MLA for Calgary-Elbow.
Redford was Alberta’s 14th premier.
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