Here is David Swann’s statement regarding his decision to step down as Leader of the Official Opposition:
Good Morning – I would like that thank everyone for joining me here today.
I would, especially like to acknowledge my wife Laureen, and my daughter, Tandela and her family, who are joining me at the podium this morning.
Upon careful consideration and consultation with my family and friends, I have made the decision to step down as Leader of the Alberta Liberal Party, following the spring sitting of the Legislature.
I will remain the MLA for Calgary Mountain View and focus my energy on the key issue affecting Albertans today – fixing the healthcare system.
Let me be very clear, this decision is mine alone as is its timing.
The process of leadership succession will be guided by the Liberal Party once I formally step down as leader.
I believe that we, the Alberta Liberal Party and our caucus, have achieved a great many things together over the past two years.
Our party is now on a solid financial footing and ready to tackle the next provincial election.
Our caucus has continued to hold this government to account on the issues that matter to the public - whether this meant championing an emergency debate on healthcare to ensure that Albertans no longer wait 18 hours for emergency care or by forcing the government to scrap its ill-conceived parks legislation.
I am pleased to say that we are, and will continue to be, the party of practical, moderate solutions, and that our actions will be guided by the needs and expectations of Albertans.
Over the past year, our caucus has led the charge by presenting a strong vision for our province in a broad range of areas from healthcare to the environment in addition to balanced oil and gas policy and greater government accountability.
Nowhere is our commitment stronger than the current crisis in healthcare. Our emergency room healthcare plan, introduced last year, provides concrete, practical solutions to the province’s current healthcare crisis.
Our plan to fix the ER crisis is pretty straightforward and it will work – dedicate and support more front-line health professionals and let important healthcare decisions be made by those who know best at the local level.
With these successes as a backdrop, it is the right time for a new leader and a new generation of Albertans to take our party into the future.
My decision to step down represents an opportunity to renew our party as the future-focused, moderate voice.
As we’ve all seen over the past two weeks, the political landscape in Alberta is in danger of shifting sharply to the far-right. The Liberal Party remains the only real alternative that presents a moderate voice for positive change.
After all, our values are Alberta’s values – compassion, integrity, fairness, hard work and commonsense. These are the mainstream values that inform our vision for the province: where a government with integrity helps people thrive in a healthy environment that sustains a healthy economy for the long-term.
Lastly, let me assure you, and the government, that the Official Opposition remains unified as we head into the spring session of the Legislature. We will actively hold the government accountable and we will present significant bills and motions that will benefit Albertans.
On a more personal note, I do know, that my decision today, will allow me to spend much more time with my family and close friends. My wife of 32 years, Laureen retired last year; our fifth grandson arrives next month and I’d like to spend more time with both
I may even find some free time for enjoying music and the outdoors.
Thank-you.