Barry Morishita (left) has announced his resignation as the leader of the Alberta Party. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By Lisa Parent

Barry Morishita resigns as Alberta Party leader

Nov 12, 2023 | 11:23 AM

BROOKS, AB – The Alberta Party is on the hunt for a new leader after former leader Barry Morishita announced his resignation.

“[The Alberta Party] just couldn’t pull together the resources required to mount a good campaign and you need money and people to do that,” said Morishita. “As the leader, I failed to meet that expectation and we have to move on from that.”

Morishita served as the Mayor of Brooks from 2016-2021 and took over the Alberta Party in 2021. The Alberta Party was unable to secure a seat in the 2023 provincial election.

While there were also personal reasons for his resignation, Morishita said the party needs a fresh face to move forward. Despite this, Morishita said he does not regret running in the last election.

“I think our approach was genuine. It was honest and transparent. I think we conducted ourselves with a lot of integrity when it came to the issues,” explained Morishita. “We didn’t personally attack people, we stuck to that. You know, I think that’s one of the things I’m proud of.”

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Right now, Morishita is doing contract work with Saskatchewan municipalities but is still living part-time in Brooks.

He told Pattison Media he has no interest in pursuing elected office in the near future.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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