Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews has announced he will not seek re-election in the 2023 Alberta provincial election. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By Canadian Press

Alberta’s finance minister not seeking re-election

Mar 24, 2023 | 9:42 AM

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB – Alberta’s finance minister will not run in the upcoming provincial election.

Travis Toews ended months of speculation by making the announcement on Twitter Friday morning, March 24, 2023.

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 as the MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti and was appointed finance minister. He ran to replace former premier Jason Kenney as party leader and premier in 2022 and came in second place to Danielle Smith.

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Smith said there will be big boots to fill in the riding with Toews’ absence.

“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,” said Smith. “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.

Toews has a background as a rancher and accountant and 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.

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

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