Former Alberta NDP premier Rachel Notley to resign as MLA | CBC News

Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley is stepping down as MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona.

Notley, former leader of the Alberta NDP, announced her pending resignation from her seat in the Alberta legislature in a statement Thursday. 

She will step down as MLA effective Dec. 30.

“I write with mixed feelings to announce that today I will be sending a letter to the Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly, advising of my intent to resign my position,” Notley wrote in a statement posted to social media Thursday. 

After leading the party to victory in 2015 and suffering defeat in two subsequent elections, Notley announced in January she would be stepping away from the party’s leadership.

She resigned as leader of the Opposition last summer, signalling a leadership race which resulted in former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi claiming command of the party. 

“I was excited and proud to see our membership swell to over 80,000 members as four worthy contestants sought their votes in June of this year,” Notley said in her post Thursday.

Nenshi has said he wants the NDP to win the next provincial election, slated for October 2027, and has called on supporters to redouble their efforts to grow the party. 

“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 health care so that all Albertans can get the support they need no matter where they live or how much they earn,” Notley said in her statement Thursday.

Notley said it has been an honour to serve her constituents for almost 17 years. She did not comment on her future plans but thanked her family and staff for their continued support throughout her political career. 

“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,” Notley wrote. 

“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.” 

The NDP’s win in 2015 disrupted an 80-year streak of right-wing governments in Alberta. Jason Kenney succeeded Notley as premier in 2019, returning Alberta to conservative leadership.