Local MLA Shane Getson resigns ahead of fall session

PARKLAND -- Shane Getson has resigned from his position as MLA for Lac. Ste. Anne-Parkland, effective immediately.

The two-term MLA made the announcement on Monday in a letter provided to the 'Community Voice' newspaper. In his statement, Getson cited personal and family reasons for his resignation, but did not provide further details. He first became the MLA for the riding back in 2019 and was re-elected during the 2023 provincial election.

"I can no longer give the time and attention that I have over the last seven years," reads Getson's statement. "Providing anything less would diminish both my responsibilities to the people I serve and to my family."

With the MLAs returning for the fall session today, Getson's now vacant seat means the UCP now holds 46 seats in the legislature, while the Alberta NDP has 39 and the Progressive Tories have one. Since the vacancy has occurred during the final year of the assembly, Premier Danielle Smith is not required to order a byelection under the rules set out in the Legislative Assembly Act.

Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi took the opportunity to blame Premier Smith for the resignation, saying that she and her UCP colleagues have become distracted by infighting and culture wars following the results of the recent Alberta referendum.