Doug Horner, a veteran in Alberta politics, has announced that he is resigning his position at the end of January.
Horner, who once ran for leadership of the PC Party back in 2011, made the resignation announcement on Facebook on Thursday morning.
In his statement, he said that the time has come for him to begin a new chapter.
Horner, the MLA for Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert, has served for the past 14 years in the legislature and had served in many different posts including Minister of Finance, Minister of Agriculture, and Deputy Premier.
“I have seen our great province make tremendous strides, overcome unparalleled challenges, and benefit from unprecedented growth. I am proud to have a place our provincial history books, and to have carried on my family’s legacy of public service to Alberta,” Horner said in his statement.
Horner was among a number of senior ministers left out of Premier Jim Prentice's new cabinet when it was announced back in September.
He will be pursuing a career in the private sector.
Doug Horner’s full statement:
Dear constituents, friends and supporters,
It is with mixed emotions that I announce today that I will be resigning as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and Senior Advisor to the Premier effective January 31, 2015. Having had the privilege of representing the constituents of Spruce Grove-St. Albert, and before that Spruce Grove-Sturgeon-St. Albert, since first elected in 2001, the time has come for me to begin a new chapter. For 14 years, I have been honoured to serve Albertans at the Alberta Legislature, both in my capacity as MLA and as Deputy Premier, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, and Senior Advisor. Alongside my legislature colleagues, and under the leadership of five premiers, I have seen our great province make tremendous strides, overcome unparalleled challenges, and benefit from unprecedented growth. I am proud to have a place our provincial history books, and to have carried on my family’s legacy of public service to Alberta. I look forward undertaking new endeavours, returning to the private sector where I began my career years ago.
While it is with some sadness that I say goodbye to the many friends and colleagues with which I have been blessed during my time as an elected official, I know that our province is in good hands. Alberta will continue to face challenges, but it will continue to grow and thrive, and adapt to a changing world. I remain a committed member of the Progressive Conservative team, and I know it is this party that will continue to lead Alberta into a promising future. I have full confidence in the leadership of Premier Prentice, and the support and strength he garners from our dedicated Cabinet and Government Caucus members. I would like to thank all those who have supported me over the years, and entrusted me to serve our province. I will forever be humbled and grateful for the opportunities granted me as a public servant. God bless.
Premier Jim Prentice issued a statement saying…
“It was with regret that I received the news this morning that Doug Horner would be stepping down as a Member of the Legislative Assembly later this month.
“Doug has been a tireless worker for the people of Alberta for many years. During his time as MLA – both inside and outside Cabinet – he has made significant contributions to this province.
“When I was with the federal government, he was a trusted partner in advancing Alberta’s interests across the country. And in my role as Premier, I have appreciated his solid counsel on trade and federal-provincial matters.
“Doug’s success has come in large part due to his admirable ability to understand Albertans, and our place in Canada and the world. He was able to discuss Alberta’s interests with financial leaders and investors from around the world, while keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground of rural Alberta. And he has done so in a way that has done honour to the Horner family name.
“Doug’s constituents have been well served, and Alberta is all the stronger for his distinguished service.
“I thank Doug for everything he has done on behalf of his constituents and his province, and I wish him and his wife Rose all the very best in the months and years ahead.”
