Alberta’s Opposition NDP is set to announce its new leader on Saturday, following the departure of Rachel Notley as leader of the party. Notley praised the party’s supporters for helping to create the legacy of the Alberta NDP and stated that the party is the strongest it has ever been. Notley was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2008 and became the NDP leader in 2014. Under her leadership, the New Democrats won a majority government in 2015, ending a four-decade Progressive Conservative dynasty. Notley has been credited with changing the political landscape in Alberta by growing the party’s presence in both Edmonton and Calgary.
Lori Williams, an associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University, highlighted Notley’s accomplishments as NDP leader, such as increasing the party’s seats in the legislature and offering a vision that balances energy and the environment. However, Williams also noted that Notley’s biggest mistake was with Bill 6, which introduced workplace safety measures and compensation for farm workers. The bill was not well-communicated and alienated many rural Albertans. Despite this, Notley’s departure was announced in January after the party lost its second consecutive election to the United Conservative Party. Notley will continue to serve as an MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona for the current term.
A record 85,000 members are set to select a new leader out of four candidates at the NDP’s Leadership Premiere event in Calgary. The four candidates vying to replace Notley are former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, former cabinet ministers Sarah Hoffman and Kathleen Ganley, and rookie legislature member Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse. Nenshi is considered the favorite to win due to his name recognition and communication skills. If Nenshi wins, he will need to work on expanding party support and appealing to a broader range of Albertans. Voting for the preferential ballot will close at noon, with the first results being revealed at 2 p.m.
The new NDP leader will inherit a party that has been significantly shaped by Notley’s leadership and will face the challenge of uniting party members and attracting broader support. The selection of a new leader is crucial for the future direction of the party as it aims to compete with the governing United Conservative Party. Notley’s departure marks the end of an era for the Alberta NDP, but her impact on the party’s growth and political influence is likely to endure. The transition to a new leader will be closely watched by both party supporters and political observers as Alberta’s political landscape continues to evolve.
