With nearly three decades of experience in the Alberta legislature between them, two Progressive Conservative MLAs went public with their plans to leave provincial politics.
After more than 12 years in the Alberta legislature, the MLA for Battle River-Wainwright announced Monday that he was leaving the Progressive Conservative caucus.
MLA Doug Griffiths announced Monday that he was leaving the Progressive Conservative Party, effective immediately.
Griffiths was first elected to represent the constituency of Wainwright in a by-election in April 2002, he was reelected in November 2004, March 2008, and in April 2012.
He had previously served as the Minister of Service Alberta and Municipal Affairs - and worked under five premiers.
At one point, he made a bid for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party, but lost to Alison Redford. When the post was open again, he chose not to run again. Griffiths said that decision came down to his kids.
"My kids need me, they are 9 and 6 now, and I need them too," Griffiths said.
His colleague, Red Deer North MLA Maryanne Jablonski also announced Monday that she was leaving provincial politics after more than 14 years in office.
Her statement was posted on Facebook:
Later Monday, Calgary-Varsity MLA Donna Kennedy-Glans announced she was planning to leave provincial politics as well.
Kennedy-Glans was elected as MLA in April 2012, and served as Associate Minister for Electricity and Renewable Energy.
She also released a statement through Facebook:
Pundits were quick to react to the changes.
"You have to wonder if there are casual conversations from the Premier's office to these individuals," Bob Murray said. "Pretty well telling them 'Now is a good time to move on'."
The three departures mean a total of five PC MLAs are stepping down - MLAs Doug Horner and Fred Horne also resigned last week.
With files from Serena Mah
