The Alberta New Democratic Party is set to announce its new leader on Saturday, following Rachel Notley’s farewell speech as the party’s leader. Notley praised the party’s supporters for helping to create the legacy of the Alberta NDP, stating that the party is the strongest it has ever been. Notley, the longest-serving MLA in Alberta’s Legislature, was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2008 and became NDP leader in 2014. Under her leadership, the New Democrats swept to power as a majority government in 2015, ending a four-decade Progressive Conservative dynasty. Lori Williams, associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University, noted that Notley changed the political landscape in Alberta by growing the party’s presence in both Edmonton and Calgary.
One of Notley’s most significant mistakes during her leadership, according to Williams, was the way Bill 6 was handled. The bill introduced workplace safety measures and compensation for farm workers but was poorly messaged and lacked proper consultation, which alienated many rural Albertans. Notley announced in January that she would be stepping down as leader after the party lost its second consecutive election to the United Conservative Party. Despite stepping down as leader, Notley will remain as MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona for the current term, continuing to represent the constituency.
A record 85,000 members of the NDP are set to choose a new leader from four candidates on Saturday. The NDP’s Leadership Premiere event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Calgary, with the four candidates vying to replace Notley as party leader being former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, former cabinet ministers Sarah Hoffman and Kathleen Ganley, and rookie legislature member Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse. Williams stated that Nenshi appears to be the favorite to win, thanks to his name recognition and strong communication skills. She also noted that Nenshi’s task, if he wins, will be to use his connections within the party to bring other candidates’ supporters into the fold and to attract more support for the party and his vision from a broad range of Albertans.
The voting for the preferential ballot will close at noon on Saturday, with the first results expected to be revealed at 2 p.m. The new leader will be tasked with continuing the work of Rachel Notley in growing the party’s appeal across the province. Notley’s legacy includes increasing the party’s presence in both Edmonton and Calgary, as well as offering a vision that balances energy and the environment, which has resonated with many Albertans. The new leader will have the challenge of uniting the party and expanding its support base to appeal to a wider range of Albertans. The outcome of the leadership race will have implications for the future direction of the Alberta NDP and its ability to challenge the current government in the province.
In conclusion, the Alberta NDP is preparing to announce its new leader following Rachel Notley’s departure from the party leadership. Notley’s legacy includes increasing the party’s presence in both Edmonton and Calgary, as well as offering a vision that balances energy and the environment. The new leader, who will be chosen from four candidates, will face the challenge of uniting the party, expanding its appeal, and challenging the current government in the province. The outcome of the leadership race will determine the future direction of the Alberta NDP and its ability to maintain and grow its support base in the province.
