By: The Canadian Press
A plainspoken, two-term Alberta United Conservative backbencher who courted controversy and riled up the Opposition NDP is leaving.
Shane Getson, in a statement, says he is leaving due to personal and family reasons but does not elaborate.
He has represented Lac. Ste. Anne-Parkland, a mostly rural riding northwest of Edmonton since 2019.
Getson never served in cabinet but for a time was the United Conservative caucus whip.
He made headlines for controversial comments, including comparing transgender surgery to livestock castration.
Getson later spoke of overcoming his own childhood abuse through religious faith, team sports and hard work.
Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the Opposition NDP, issued a statement on Getson’s resignation, saying, “Danielle Smith’s caucus has lost faith in her, just like Albertans have. Her weak leadership can’t even keep her own MLAs in line.”
He also said the resignation means another costly byelection for Albertans, or leaving Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland without a representative until the 2027 provincial election.
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