Roger Reid has announced that he will not run for re-election as the MLA for Livingstone-Macleod. (Image: Livingstone-Macleod Constituency Association)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Southern Alberta MLA not running for re-election

Nov 4, 2022 | 2:58 PM

CLARESHOLM, AB – A new MLA will represent the Livingstone-Macleod riding following the 2023 Alberta provincial election.

MLA Roger Reid has announced that he will not run for re-election and he is withdrawing his name from the United Conservative Party (UCP) nomination.

“While I hoped to serve a second term, I no longer feel it is possible for me to do so,” Reid said in a Facebook post on the Livingstone-Macleod UCP Constituency Association page.

In an updated statement to LNN, Reid says he would rather focus his efforts on advancing the many pressing issues in his riding and across the province than running a re-election campaign.

Some of the issues he says he believes are important to the people of Livingstone-Macleod include inflation and the rising cost of living, the availability of ambulance services, and the shortage of family doctors.

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“Because these are important issues for Livingstone Macleod and for Alberta, I have chosen to put my energies into assisting the Premier and her Cabinet to ensure real solutions move from discussion to action,” says Reid in a statement to LNN.

Reid continues, “To ensure this happens, my time and energy is better spent on these than a nomination race or even an election campaign. Actually solving these issues and bringing real relief to Albertans is more important to me than my nomination and political future, and they will be my focus for the remainder of my term.”

He adds that the last couple of years have been particularly challenging for the province, and while he nor the provincial government have been perfect, he believes the UCP government has successfully put Alberta on track for a strong economic recovery.

The MLA says it has been a privilege to meet with constituents, who span communities including High River, Claresholm, Fort Macleod, Pincher Creek, and Crowsnest Pass.

Reid is currently serving his first term as MLA after winning the 2019 vote with over 70 per cent support.

The 31st Alberta general election is scheduled to be held on May 29, 2023.