Alberta MLA Drew Barnes not running for re-election

Alberta independent MLA Drew Barnes announced Monday that he will not be running for re-election in the upcoming race slated for May 29.

He made the announcement on Twitter, thanking his constituents and family for their support.

Announcement regarding my intentions for the upcoming Alberta Provincial Election. #ableg #medhat pic.twitter.com/tWzuKiKIEn

— Drew Barnes (@Drew__Barnes) May 1, 2023

“I’m very, very grateful for the opportunity to serve the constituents of Cypress-Medicine Hat for the last 11 years. I’ve decided at this point in time that I’m not running,” he said.

In his video, he says the “fight” will continue, including discussion on democratic reform and for more calls to improve safety in the province.

He also adds youth is one of the “main reasons we’re here.”

“It’s been a very, very difficult time the last few years, and now our communities and our youth and our economy is faced with high inflation, high interest rates, and low productivity,” he said.

“Let’s make it so our youth can enjoy Alberta being the freest and most prosperous place. Let’s make it so our youth have the opportunity for competitive insurance rates, utility rates, and competitive services from businesses as well as affordable interest rates. We need our youth to be fully engaged.”

Barnes was the MLA that invited convoy organizer Tamara Lich into the legislature in early March. The move was slammed by users on social media.

She is set to go on trial in September on charges including mischief for her role in last year’s Ottawa convoy.

Watch: Heated debate over Freedom Convoy organizer’s presence in Alberta legislature

Barnes is a “small government” MLA, who first entered politics in 2010 following the flood in Cypress County.

He was then kicked out of the UCP in 2021 for calling out former premier Jason Kenney’s resignation amid the province’s handling of COVID-19.