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Announcing in a tweet on Friday that he had submitted his resignation to Premier Jason Kenney earlier in the day, Schweitzer added that his plan is to “serve as an MLA until the end of this month or some other date to be determined closer to that time”. He did not give a specific reason for leaving headquarters earlier than planned. A by-election should normally be called within six months of an MLA’s seat being vacated. General elections must be held by the end of May 2023.
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The MLA for Calgary-Elbow was elected MLA for Calgary-Elbow in 2019 and served as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. He has been the province’s Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation for the past two years. Schweitzer, a lawyer who managed the 2014 leadership campaign for former premier Jim Prentice, sought the UCP leadership in 2017, coming in third behind Kenney and Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Brian Jean. Last May, Schweitzer announced he would not seek re-election, but said he intended to serve in the cabinet until a new leader was chosen. The UCP is set to elect a new leader by October 6. On Friday, Schweitzer thanked his supporters and team members and said he was proud of what they had accomplished. Kenney issued a statement via Twitter thanking Schweitzer for his service. “His contributions to the government of Alberta have helped put Alberta back on the path to economic growth and prosperity,” Kenney wrote.
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In a statement Friday afternoon, Samir Kayande, NDP candidate for Calgary-Elbow, thanked Schweitzer for his service but noted he is excited about the opportunity to run for the seat in a primary or general election. [email protected] twitter.com/reportrix
