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The Calgary-Elbow MLA has served as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General
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Aug 05, 2022 • 1 day ago • 1 minute read • 26 comments Jobs, Economy and Innovation Minister Doug Schweitzer. Photo by Ed Kaiser/Postmedia, file
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Doug Schweitzer has resigned as Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation.
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Announcing in a tweet on Friday that he had tendered his resignation to Premier Jason Kenney earlier in the day, Schweitzer added that his plan was to “serve as an MLA until the end of this month or another date set closer to that time “. He gave no specific reason for leaving the venue earlier than planned.
By-elections must normally be called within six months of the MLA seat becoming vacant. A general election must be held by the end of May 2023.
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The Calgary-Elbow MLA was elected MLA for Calgary-Elbow in 2019 and serves as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. For the past two years, he was the province’s Minister of Employment, Economy and Innovation.
Schweitzer, an attorney who managed former premier Jim Prentice’s 2014 leadership campaign, sought the UCP leadership in 2017, finishing third behind Kenney and Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Brian Jean.
Schweitzer announced this May that he would not seek re-election, but said he intended to serve in the cabinet until a new leader was chosen. The UCP must elect a new leader by October 6.
On Friday, Schweitzer thanked his supporters and team members and said he was proud of what they had accomplished.
Kenney issued a statement via Twitter thanking Schweitzer for his service.
“His contributions to the Government of Alberta helped put Alberta back on the path to economic growth and prosperity,” Kenney wrote.
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In a statement Friday afternoon, Samir Kayande, the NDP candidate for Calgary-Elbow, thanked Schweitzer for his service but noted he was excited about the opportunity to run for the seat in a by-election or general election.
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