As we had shared earlier this spring, MLA for Drumheller-Stettler, Nate Horner, had let the Premier know that he would be stepping back from his position as Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board for the Government of Alberta and not run in the next election for our constituency.
Many in our area may have wondered the why behind his decision so we spoke with Horner about why he felt it was time to step back. “I told the Premier early on, when she offered me the role of Finance Minister, that it was highly unlikely I could see myself serving three terms. It will be almost nine years of pretty heavy involvement by the time I get to the end of this session, and I need to spend more time with (my family), so that was never really in the cards for me. The uniqueness of the Finance Minister role, everyone knows you build a budget, but you do a lot of meetings through the summer as well, setting the stage for the budget decisions. I felt that it was the right time to bring the next person in that could hear all those stories and understand the context behind some of those submissions they would see in the fall, and give them the best chance to make the best decisions they could in an election year budget.”
As for the decision not to run in the next election, Horner understands that we all have “our time” in a position and felt it was his. “I think everybody that gets involved and takes on these roles, has an expiry date. I think you have to be honest with yourself and leave room for the next person, and the next race, to have an open race for the people of the riding to get behind the different candidates and hear what their vision is for the riding. It’s tough. We have a great riding. There are a lot of common interests, really down to earth people usually pulling in a similar direction. It has been an honour and a privilege.”
Family really came into play with the decision admits Horner. “My kids are six, nine, and twelve, currently. By the end of the next term, my daughter would be in Grade 12 and I would miss a lot of their school years. Just want to be home, be a better Dad. I think I owe that to all of them, and especially my wife.”
For those that are thinking of putting their name forward to run in the next election for the Drumheller-Stettler riding, Horner shares some advice. “I would encourage them, generally, and let them know it is a tough job. People that get involved are drawn to these things, they’re passionate people and have opinions, but once you get in there you have to the best decisions you can on behalf of the people of Alberta. There is very rarely a silver bullet, an easy decision, everything is kind of at the margins. Usually, even if you make the best decision, there are going to be people mad on both sides. I would generally encourage them. It is a lot of work but it is pretty rewarding too.”
MLA Nate Horner will continue to represent the Drumheller-Stettler riding until the next provincial election is called, which could be at any time between now and the fall of 2027.
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