Calgary Thousands asked for it while he was a leader and now Jason Kenney has done it, announcing his resignation as a member of the Alberta legislature on social media Tuesday.
The former Alberta premier and United Conservative Party leader made his statement on Twitter, thanking constituents for supporting him during his 25 years in politics.
His statement included a letter of thanks to those individuals, saying the time had come for him to resign.
“A different government is in place, and the next election will occur in a few months,” he wrote. “So, after a great deal of reflection and consultation, I have concluded that now is the best time for me to step aside as MLA.”
Kenney also thanked all the public servants and volunteers who assisted him during his time in politics.
I have resigned as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Lougheed.
Thank-you to my constituents for the honour of representing them in Parliament and the Legislature over the past 25 years.
My statement: pic.twitter.com/vDRAk0yaDf
— Jason Kenney 🇺🇦🇨🇦 (@jkenney) November 29, 2022
He also wrote about his concerns about democracy in Canada and Alberta, places he considers in many ways to be “the envy of the world,” and the institutions he sees are eroding each day.
“I am concerned that our democratic life is veering away from ordinary prudential debate toward a polarization that undermines our bedrock institutions and principles,” he said.
“From the far left, we see efforts to cancel our history, delegitimize our historically grounded institutions and customs, and divide society dangerously along identity lines. And from the far right, we see a vengeful anger and toxic cynicism, which often seeks to tear things down, rather than build up and improve our imperfect institutions.”
Kenney says he hopes for a time where both Canada and Alberta can “move past this time of polarization.”
