Alberta Environment Minister Sonya Savage not seeking re-election

Alberta Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Sonya Savage announced Friday afternoon she will not seek re-election.

She made the announcement over social media.

“After deep reflection, I have decided not to seek re-election and to spend more time with my family,” her statement reads.

She adds she’ll continue to support her party to win the next election.

“I have been committed to Conservative politics since I was in my teens, and I look forward to continuing to be part of this party for years to come,” reads the statement.

“I wish the Premier and my UCP colleagues success in the upcoming election and will be there to support the Premier.”

Savage has served as MLA for Calgary-North West and as Minister of Environment and Protected areas and Minister of Energy over the past four years.

In response to the announcement, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith issued a statement noting Savage’s work in developing an environmentally responsible energy sector.

“Minister Sonya Savage’s dedication and commitment to furthering Alberta’s energy interests and developing a Made-in-Alberta approach to responsible environmental stewardship of our natural resources will benefit Albertans for decades,” Smith said. “Although Sonya will be greatly missed, it is gratifying to know she will be able to spend more time with her best friend and husband, Eric, as well as their family.”

Smith adds she will be working with her party to find a suitable candidate for May’s elections.

“Along with Grande Prairie – Wapiti, I will be working with the party and local constituency association to appoint a UCP candidate through Section 8 of our Candidate Selection Process so the candidate can get to work immediately keeping Calgary-North West a UCP stronghold on May 29,” she said.

Meanwhile, Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews also announced earlier in the day that he is not seeking re-election.

“After much deliberation and prayerful consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election,” his statement reads.

READ MORE:

• Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews will not seek reelection

  ---

“I do, however, remain deeply committed to the conservative movement, to the United Conservative Party (UCP), and to its success this May.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve the people of Grande Prairie-Wapiti as their MLA and Albertans broadly as their Minister of Finance.

Alberta’s election is scheduled for Monday, May 29.

— With files from Alejandro Melgar and Logan Stein