Former premier Alison Redford resigns as MLA for Calgary-Elbow

CTV Calgary: Redford resigns seat as MLA Alison Redford quits as MLA for Calgary-Elbow just a day before an auditor general report on her spending is released.

The constituents of Calgary-Elbow are currently without provincial representation following a surprise announcement by the former leader of Alberta.

On Wednesday morning, former premier Alison Redford announced her decision to step away from public office in order to ‘start the next chapter of my life’. The statement, in its entirety, is available here

“For the past few months, I have focused on constituency work, much of it related to helping families with the aftermath of the floods,” said Redford. “I felt that work was important, but it is now complete and it is time to move forward.

In the letter, Redford thanked Albertans for the opportunity to serve as premier and announced she would not accept a transitional allowance, the highly scrutinized pay offered to outgoing MLAs.

Redford states the next chapter of her life will include ‘teaching and resuming work in international development and public policy’.

“Alberta is my home and our family will continue to live here,” said Redford. “I believe in Alberta, and that will not change.”

Alison Redford stepped down as Alberta’s leader on March 23, 2014, amidst questions over her travel expenses, a drastically low approval rating and turmoil within the PC party, including the resignation of two MLAs from caucus.

“I recognize that mistakes were made along the way,” said Redford. “In hindsight, there were many things I would have done differently.”

“That said, I accept responsibility for all the decisions I have made.”