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 as the MLA for Edmonton Strathcona, effective December 30, 2024. It was last January this year when I announced I would be stepping down as leader of Alberta’s NDP. 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. 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 healthcare so that all Albertans can get the support they need no matter where they live or how much they earn. It has been an indescribable honour to represent the people of my neighbourhood and community for almost 17 years. 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. 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. To the staff and volunteers who worked beside me to make life better for Albertans, your work contributed to doing just that, in so many ways. To my fellow caucus members, you’re a dedicated, caring and fun team. I’m going to miss you, but mostly I can’t wait for you to form government so you can get to work building a better future for all Albertans. Finally, to my family, thank you again for supporting it all. See you on the trails!

Yesterday Alberta’s NDP Opposition broke with convention to emphatically vote no at first reading of three historically cruel cynical and bullying pieces of legislation - all three of which breach Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.