Calgary UCP MLA Gotfried won't run for re-election
Calgary-fish Creek MLA Richard Gotfried, who has been an outspoken critic of his own UCP government, says he won't run for re-election next year.
The two-term MLA, who's voiced concerns about how the Kenney government's leadership has responded to Albertans and its own MLAS, said in a statement he'll serve until after next spring 's provincial election.
And he hinted at the challenges he's faced as an MLA in the UCP government, whose members forced the resignation of Premier Jason Kenney and is seen by many to be moving further to the political right during its ongoing leadership race.
“I have endeavoured (to serve) with an unwavering commitment to my constituents, and indeed all Albertans, with principled, ethical, outspoken, accessible and responsive representation,” he said.
“It has not always been easy, but these commitments reflect the person I will always strive to be before, during and after politics.”
Gotfried said it was always his hope to bring a fresh lens to politics but that after nearly eight years as an MLA, it is time for him to “refocus on my connections in the community, to my multicultural roots and the private, notfor-profit sector relationship that has always been such a big part of my life.”
While he's been publicly neutral on the leadership contest, which chooses the next premier Oct. 6, Gotfried said he remains committed to whoever leads the UCP.
As he prepares to bow out of politics, Gotfried said a key challenge for Alberta is ensuring it has a sufficient and affordable housing supply.
“(Housing) is a key to almost everything that we do across all sectors as we build a strong, resilient and healthy society.”
Gotfried's departure follows the exit of a number of other UCP politicians, notably senior cabinet minister Calgary-elbow MLA Doug Schweitzer, who said in May he was stepping down immediately. Like Gotfried, he was seen as a political moderate within the party.
Earlier this month, the UCP'S MLA in Drayton Valley-devon, Mark Smith, said he won't seek re-election next year.
And on Monday, Brooks-medicine Hat UCP MLA Michaela Frey said she won't run for office again, after first being elected in 2019.
Frey said it's time to grow her family, but said her term has been rewarding with numerous achievements, adding she has high hopes for the future of the party and the province.
“As a government, while we have not always gotten it right, I have been proud of the work that we have done,” she said in a statement.
“We presented Albertans with a balanced budget and set the conditions for economic prosperity, leading the country in economic growth . ... Alberta's best days are ahead of us.”