(The Canadian Press)

By The Canadian Press

Travis Toews

Alberta’s Minister of Finance not seeking re-election

Mar 24, 2023 | 9:30 AM

Alberta’s finance minister says he will not run in the upcoming provincial election.

Travis Toews ended months of speculation by making the announcement on Twitter.

He did not elaborate on his reasons but says he remains deeply committed to the United Conservative Party and the conservative movement.

Toews was elected in 2019 for the UCP and was finance minister for all but a few months when he ran to replace former premier Jason Kenney as party leader, coming in second to Premier Danielle Smith.

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Toews, a rancher and accountant representing the constituency of Grande Prairie-Wapiti, oversaw the best and worst of Alberta’s turbulent oil and gas-powered economy massive deficits, negative oil prices and eye-popping surpluses.

He stickhandled many controversial files, including de-indexing personal income tax, arguing for wage cuts to nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and lifting the rate cap on auto insurance.

Danielle Smith, Leader of the United Conservative Party of Alberta, issued the following statement on Travis Toews’ announcement that he will not seek re-election.

“Minister Travis Toews has been one of the strongest Finance Ministers in Alberta’s history and leaves a legacy of strong fiscal management that I will continue to uphold as Premier. I greatly respect his decision to spend more time on the ranch and with his family. There will be big boots to fill in Grande Prairie – Wapiti, and I wish him, Kim, and the family nothing but the very best.

Given the proximity to the upcoming provincial election, I will be working with the party and the local constituency association to locate and appoint a new UCP candidate for the constituency of Grande Prairie – Wapiti under Section 8 of our Candidate Selection Process, so that the new candidate can hit the ground running and ensure a UCP victory in this constituency when votes are cast on May 29.”