As the UCP leadership race gears up, a single sitting minister has yet to announce intentions to run for the top job. Here’s a look at what some ministers said about their potential interest on their way into question period Tuesday. .Environment Minister Jason Nixon.Nixon said he’ll be making a decision in the coming days..“I haven’t ruled anything out,” he said. “I’ll be doing what I think is best for the party on the lens of making sure that we stay united and that we defeat the NDP in a year.”.Nixon said he’s waiting to see who else announces their candidacy..“I will see who’s coming forward and what the lay of the land is,” he said in response to a question from the Western Standard. .Right now, Nixon said he’s focused on completing the government's legislative agenda. .Justice Minister Tyler Shandro.Shandro told the media he’s not interested in running for the leadership. He said he is running for his seat again..“I wasn’t sure that I wanted to be a politician or an MLA in the first place,” he said. “It’s never crossed my mind to run for the leader of any party.”.Finance Minister Travis Toews.Toews was tight-lipped about whether he has leadership ambitions..When asked repeatedly, all he would say was, “This week, we’re focused on the business at hand, government business ensuring that we can complete this legislative session.”.Transportation Minister Rajan Sawhney.Sawhney said she’s still deliberating a leadership run..“I am considering it.”.The minister said she must speak with her family and community before making a decision. Other candidates are not a factor in her decision-making process, Sawhney said..Advanced Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides.Asked about a leadership run, Nicolaides said no, but he will run for his seat again..Jobs, Economy and Innovation Minister Doug Schweitzer .In a statement posted to Twitter Monday, Schweitzer said he’s honoured by support he’s received for potential candidacy to run for the UCP leadership, but he won’t run for leadership or for reelection in 2023..Schweitzer says he’s been focused on Alberta’s economy over the last eight years and now “Alberta is back.”.Others.Health Minister Jason Copping and Energy Minister Sonya Savage didn’t stop to speak with media Tuesday..Former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith launched her leadership campaign Thursday. UCP MLA Brian Jean also said he will run, though he's yet to officially launch his campaign..Independent MLA Drew Barnes has not ruled out a run for the leadership.
