Minister of Finance Travis Toews has announced he will not be seeking re-election as Grande Prairie – Wapiti MLA.
Toews took to Twitter with an open letter to his constituents, explaining the decision was not one he came to easily.
“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,” Toews writes.
He adds he and his family are humbled by the support they have received from not just those in the region, but those across the province.
In the letter, Toews also expresses that even with this decision he is still committed to the conservative movement, the United Conservative Party (UCP) and to the party’s success in May.
Toews was elected into office in April 2019, during the provincial general election. Then Premier Jason Kenny appointed Toews as Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board.
Premier Danielle Smith issued a statement following Toews announcement crediting Toews as being one of the strongest Finance Ministers in the provinces history and is leaving a legacy of strong fiscal management that she plans to continue to uphold as Premier.
“I greatly respect his decision to spend more time on the ranch and with his family. There will be big boots to fill in Grande Prairie – Wapiti, and I wish him, Kim, and the family nothing but the very best,” Smith says.
Smith says she will now work with the party to appoint a new candidate for the riding.
In 2022, Toews threw his hat into the ring and ran for leadership of the UCP, coming in as the runner up in that race behind Premier Smith.
Toews last day in office will be May 30th, 2023.