Alberta’s opposition is saying goodbye to its beloved leader of 10 years at an Calgary gala Friday night, as voting for her replacement concludes.
Rachel Notley was first elected to the legislature in 2008 and became the leader of the Alberta NDP in October 2014.
She led the party to a majority win in the 2015 provincial election, ending 44 years of Conservative government.
Notley and company lost the 2019 and 2023 provincial elections, making her the leader of the Opposition.
In January, she announced she would be stepping down to make way for fresh voices.
Voting for that new leader ends Friday, the same day a farewell gala for Notley is planned. She is set to give her final speech at the $350-per-plate provincial fundraiser. Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is also scheduled to make an appearance.
The and the winner will be announced on Saturday.
Four candidates are on the ballot — former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, former Deputy Premier Sarah Hoffman, Calgary Mountain View MLA Kathleen Ganley, and Edmonton-Rutherford MLA Jodi Calahoo-Stonehouse.
Even members of the United Conservative Party have had glowing things to say about Notley ahead of her departure.
“Highly skilled politician, often doesn’t take prisoners — politically, is what I mean — which is a compliment, just to be clear,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver.
“My policies are a much different place than where her policies are but I respect her and the position she holds,” said Minister of Energy and former Wildrose Party leader Brian Jean.
Throughout the leadership race, the party’s membership has grown exponentially — last month, the party said its total membership had reached 85,144.
On Dec. 31, 2023, the party had 16,224 members.
-With files from Phil Wood