Former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley calls it quits

Former Alberta premier and NDP Leader Rachel Notley is leaving the legislature.

Notley announced on social media Thursday morning that, as of Dec. 30, she is resigning as the legislature representative for Edmonton-Strathcona.

"I write with mixed feelings," Notley said in her post.

"It has been an indescribable honour to represent the people of my neighbourhood and community for almost 17 years."

In the statement, Notley thanks her supporters, staffers and constituents and says the future of the party is bright under new leader Naheed Nenshi.

"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," writes Notley.

Notley, a former labour lawyer, does not discuss what she plans to do in her post-political life, ending the post by writing, "See you on the trails!"

She declined interview requests Thursday.

Nenshi, in his own social media post, said, “You’ve often heard me describe Rachel as a once-in-a-lifetime politician. She grew our movement into government and now the largest opposition in the history of Alberta. And for that we are deeply grateful. 

“Since my selection, she has been extraordinarily generous and helpful, and I truly appreciate her guidance during my first legislative session."

United Conservative Premier Danielle Smith, asked about Notley at an unrelated news conference in Calgary, said, "When you look at the support that she got in her community during elections, people felt very well represented by her. 

“I'll look forward to seeing what her next steps are."

Notley stepped down as party leader earlier this year and was replaced in a membership vote by Nenshi, a former Calgary mayor.

Nenshi does not have a seat in the house. He declined to pursue a seat when the Lethbridge-West constituency opened up, with a byelection vote there set for next week. 

Nenshi has said he wouldn't rule out running in Edmonton.

Notley, 60, served as Alberta’s 17^th premier after the NDP won a majority government in 2015.

They served for four years before losing to Jason Kenney and the United Conservative Party in 2019 and again in 2023 to the UCP under Smith.

While in government, Notley raised the province’s minimum wage, cut child poverty, boosted labour standards and introduced more accessible child care options.

She introduced a consumer carbon tax, later replaced by a federal levy. She began phasing out coal-fired electricity, and earlier this year the last coal-generating station transitioned to natural gas.

She appointed the country’s first gender-balanced cabinet.

There were also low points.

A bill ushering in new labour protections for farm workers prompted rural Albertans to march to the legislature with livestock and placards on pitchforks.

The price of oil cratered, devastating the province’s finances.

Notley, in an interview before Nenshi took over as party leader in June, ruled out a run in federal politics.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024.