Mason won’t run in 2019 election
Veteran NDP caucus member calls time on his three-decade career in politics
EDMONTON A city bus driver turned Alberta political stalwart is veering away from politics after three decades, announcing he won’t run in the next provincial election.
Transportation Minister and government house leader Brian Mason, who is known for his boisterous attitude and sharp wit, said Wednesday he’ll stay in his role until the writ drops in 2019.
“I’ve won 10 consecutive elections and I think that’s enough,” said Mason, 64, referring to wins in both municipal and provincial politics. “I’ve left the party in pretty good shape — a majority government. I toiled in the trenches for many years to get to that point.”
The veteran NDP caucus member served as party leader from 2004 to 2014, paving the way for Premier Rachel Notley ’s sweeping Orange Crush victory in 2015.
“When I first got elected, Ralph was the king and we had two seats,” he said.
Mason was elected to represent Edmonton-Highlands in a 2000 byelection. Four years later, the riding was redrawn to Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood, a seat that he held onto with five subsequent victories.
But his political career started with an election more than a decade earlier for a seat on Edmonton city council — a role he pursued after working as a city bus driver.
When he was elected to represent Ward 3 in 1989, the area had few facilities, three prisons and a landfill, he said.
“It had a real sense it had been passed by,” he said, adding he worked to build up the ward by advocating for facilities including an indoor soccer centre, health centre, police station, LRT stations and libraries.
“That’s the thing that stands out,” he said of his 11 years on council. “Some might not have happened if it hadn’t been for the work I did.”
Mason has spent the bulk of his time in provincial politics in opposition. He became known for antics during question period that included using knitting needles and a rubber duck to illustrate his points.
His approach in opposition was to “raise a little hell,” he said, referencing a Trooper song that played on his car radio when he drove to the legislature in 2000 as a newly minted MLA. But being in government is different, he said. “I don’t take that view now. I want to try and make sure we have the best possible outcome for the public.”
Opposition was more fun, he added. Still, it was the 2015 victory that gave Mason his best day in politics.
“Walking in and sitting on the other side of the house for the first time,” he said. “I knew some political party would defeat the conservatives, I wasn’t convinced it was going to be us.
“I’m very proud to finish my political career as a member of the government.”
Notley told reporters in Calgary Wednesday that Mason has her deepest thanks. “Brian has given tremendous public service ... 29 years,” she said. “He has always stood up for his principles ... he’s never backed down from a fight.”