Sonya Savage said she will not run for re-election in the 2023 Alberta provincial election, March 24, 2023. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta environment minister will not seek re-election

Mar 24, 2023 | 3:15 PM

CALGARY, AB – A second Alberta cabinet minister will not run for re-election in the spring 2023 provincial election.

Sonya Savage said in a social media post on Friday, March 24, 2023, that she has decided to not seek re-election. She instead plans to spend more time with her family.

Savage was elected in 2019 as the MLA for Calgary-North West. She served as Alberta’s energy minister under former premier Jason Kenney and is currently the minister of environment and protected areas.

“In 2019, Alberta was facing many challenges and I knew it was important for me to do my part and step up for our province,” Savage wrote in a statement. “It is now time for me to take a step back and look towards a new chapter.”

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 9-15, 2024

18h ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 2-8, 2024

Dec 02, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 12-17, 2024

Nov 12, 2024

Savage said Alberta has a lot to be proud of when it comes to responsible energy production, the race to net-zero emissions, carbon capture technology, critical minerals, and the future of hydrogen power.

“During my time in government, we built strong international relationships with the United States, OPEC, and other energy producing countries as our province navigated geopolitical and energy security challenges facing the world,” said Savage.

She thanked everyone who has helped her to get to where she is today, including her family and premiers Kenney and Smith.

Smith issued a statement, saying “Minister Sonya Savage’s dedication and commitment to furthering Alberta’s energy interests and developing a Made-in-Alberta approach to responsible environmental stewardship of our natural resources will benefit Albertans for decades.”

The premier adds, “Although Sonya will be greatly missed, it is gratifying to know she will be able to spend more time with her best friend and husband, Eric, as well as their family.”

Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews also announced on the same day that he would not be seeking re-election.

The provincial election is scheduled to be held on May 29, 2023.

READ MORE: Alberta’s finance minister not seeking re-election