Former Alberta premier and NDP leader Rachel Notley has resigned her seat as an MLA.That means current leader Naheed Nenshi finally has a seat to run for,"I write with mixed feelings to announce that (Thursday) I will be sending a letter to the Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly, advising of my intent to resign my position as the MLA for Edmonton Strathcona, effective December 30, 2024," Notley posted on social media."It was last January this year when I announced I would be stepping down as leader of Alberta’s NDP. I was excited and proud to see our membership swell to over 80,000 members as four worthy contestants sought their votes in June of this year.""Naheed Nenshi’s selection represents a tremendous opportunity for all Albertans seeking practical solutions to the affordability crisis, along with a genuine commitment to fixing our healthcare so that all Albertans can get the support they need no matter where they live or how much they earn.""It has been an indescribable honour to represent the people of my neighbourhood and community for almost 17 years. Edmonton Strathcona is a diverse constituency, defined by an unparalleled level of connection between its residents that plays out every day at festivals, independent small businesses of all types, theatres, schools, playgrounds, parks, trails, and community leagues.".Premier Danielle Smith weighed in on the matter at a press conference Thursday morning in response to a question from the Western Standard."(Notley) was premier for four years, and she was one of our longest serving members of the Legislative Assembly," replied Smith. "I think when you look at the the support that she got in her community during elections, people felt very well represented by her. So I'll look forward to seeing what her next steps are."
