The provincial constituency of Bonnyville and Cold Lake will be forced to select a new representative for the first time in eight years when the polls open in 2016 after local MLA Genia Leskiw announced she would be retiring at the end of her current term in a short letter to the public last week.
Leskiw, who previously spent 36 years as a teacher in the Lakeland region before moving into provincial politics in 2008, said she feels incredibly honoured to have had the opportunity to represent the region during her seven years as MLA but feels the time has come for her to step aside.
“It is certainly not without a tinge of sadness that I would like to announce that I will be retiring following my current term,” Leskiw wrote in a letter to her constituents. “But while I will greatly miss what has been a truly fulfilling career, I leave with a great optimism for the future of my constituency, and for this province.”
During her time as MLA, Leskiw played a pivotal role in securing several provincial programs, projects and initiatives for the local area.
Leskiw was a major factor in ensuring the Bonnyville Covenant Health Centre retained the services of its pathology unit, while she also had a hand in speeding up the process regarding the provincial government's decision for the impending regional waterline from Cold Lake.
She held an important role in the discussions and negotiations surrounding the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR) agreement between the provincial government and the City of Cold Lake, as well as doing her part to secure funds for a wealth of projects in the Lakeland, including the Notre Dame High School modernization, the Bonnyville and Cold Lake senior housing facilities and the brand new FCSS building in Cold Lake.
Several members of the public took to social media last week to thank Leskiw for all she has done for the local community over the past seven years.
“Oh Genia, I am sad for your constituents. They will (lose) the best MLA!” said Susan Purdie.
Pat Palechuk noted, “So sad to hear, but a great way to end (an) admirable career. Her dedication to her constituency is beyond reproach.”
MLA for Calgary-Glenmore Linda Johnson also chimed in with her thoughts on the announcement.
“Thank you for the passion you bring to your constituency…for being a strong role model for the ‘rookies' and most importantly, for being a friend and leader in our caucus,” Johnson said. “Your energy and caring will be missed.”
Looking back on her many achievements and accomplishments during her time as MLA, Leskiw said she has a lot to be proud of and thankful for.
“Serving on behalf of the people of this incredible province as the MLA for Bonnyville – Cold Lake has been my honour,” Leskiw said. “It has allowed me to be a witness and participant in so many of your lives over the years. I have been inspired by my students as they grew and pursued their dreams, moved to tears and laughter by the stories so many of you have generously told me, and humbled by the care that I have seen Albertans show across this province.
I am excited now to spend more time with my wonderful husband of 40 years, maybe pick up some of my old hobbies, and to stay in touch with some of the most amazing people I have met by volunteering in the community.”
She added, “I want to thank all the people who have supported and encouraged me during the last seven years. It is so much easier to fight for a cause you truly believe in, and you have never failed to provide me with that motivation.”
The local PC party will now be searching for potential candidates to succeed Leskiw in what is expected to be a spring election in 2016.
