By Chris Brown

Michaela Frey decides not to seek re-election

Sep 26, 2022 | 12:01 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Brooks-Medicine Hat will have a new MLA after the next provincial election.

United Conservative Party MLA Michaela Frey, elected in 2019, announced today that she will not seek re-election in 2023. In a statement posted to social media, she said it was an incredibly difficult decision to make but “is the right one for me, and my family, at this time as my husband, Keelan, and I try to grow our family.”

Looking back, Fry said she’s proud of what she accomplished during her three years as an MLA, and she’ll never forget the experience.

“The deal for HALO is something that I can leave public office knowing that I’ve left my constituency better than when I found it,” she told CHAT News on Monday. “As well we’ve announced lots of mental health initiatives. I’ve been able to play a key role in many committees and work in Edmonton to make sure thoughtful policy is being passed in the legislature. I’ve been able to stand up for law-abiding firearms owners. I’ve been able to pass a motion, a motion and private members’ bill in the legislature. So I think that while the last few years have been tumultuous I’ve been pretty blessed because I’ve had a great time and its an honour of a lifetime.”

She said she will spend her remaining time in office focused on physician retention in rural Alberta, improving access to health-care services, getting projects like new schools and infrastructure off the ground and doing “my very best to leave things better than the way that I found them.”

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Frey said the UCP government hasn’t always gotten it right and neither has she, but that Alberta is positioned for success. She added she hopes that no matter who wins the party’s leadership on Oct. 6 that members will “unite behind the leader before the spring general election.”

“We see great economic news coming out of the province, we’ve paid down our debt, we have put money into the Heritage Savings Trust Fund and we balanced the budget. So those are things that I’m very proud of and I think will continue on in the legacy of the province,” she said.

Mara Nesbitt of Brooks has announced her intention to seek the party’s nomination. Former Brooks mayor and current Alberta Party Leader Barry Morishita and the NDP’s Gwendoline Dirk have already been nominated by their parties.