While she may not be in politics anymore, it's not hard to see the impact Genia Leskiw had on the area from her time as Bonnyville – Cold Lake MLA.
“Probably one of the highlights would have been getting the senior's centre phase one and two in Bonnyville,” said Leskiw. “And the modernization of Notre Dame High School. When I was thinking about running I toured the school with the then education minister...then we finally got the go ahead for the modernization project so that was definitely a highlight.”
The former teacher made the transition into politics in 2008 when she was encouraged to run for MLA. While her dream was to be a school board member following retirement from teaching, Leskiw said she couldn't pass up the opportunity.
“Actually there were seven people running, then all of a sudden there was one person running. I thought I could do better than the person running so I challenged him, I beat him and the rest is history.”
The local politician worked hard for her constituents. In seven years, Leskiw had a hand in everything from education to seniors to infrastructure. As the MLA she was responsible for the widening of highway 55, getting rid of Grade 3 and 6 exams, the 2010 First Nations and Métis showcase and lobbying the government to keep the pathology unit in Bonnyville.
“I remember my first year as an MLA, the Bonnyville handi-bus broke down and they had
no money to replace it. They got the insurance money but that wasn't enough so they came to me for help and we were able to get the bus for them,” recalled Leskiw.
During her two terms in provincial parliament, Leskiw made sure everyone knew just how important the area is to her.
“Probably one of the highlights in my seven years is that I think I brought every minister that there has been to the Bonnyville area, because I really believe in bringing government to the people.”
Leskiw also had the chance to visit another place near and dear to her heart: Ukraine. In an unique opportunity, the local MLA had the chance to travel to Ukraine as an election observer.
She also proved to have quite the knack for social media, informing people about what was going on in the government every chance she got.
“I think I did that quite well on Facebook, letting people know what's happening, helping constituencies with their problems – things you would never see in the paper.”
While proud of her many accomplishments, a major part of what made being MLA worth it was the stuff that didn't end up in the news. Whether that was helping out the everyday person with their concerns or having people stop by to say thank you, Leskiw said those are some of the moments she loved the most.
“I had a lot of Filipinos come in almost every other day to get their papers notarized because it was free and they just didn't have that kind of money to spend at a law office,” said Leskiw.
That's what the former Bonnyville – Cold Lake MLA is going to miss the most now that she's exited politics. Going to events, particularly seniors events, in the various communities and her involvement in the aboriginal communities are memories Leskiw said she will always take with her.
However, despite no longer having a direct say in provincial politics Leskiw said it's going to be hard to get out of the politician mindset. But she's excited to pass on the duty to someone else.
“You're going to look at things differently, seven years in government you can't help it. You still have an idea of how things should be run but now it's time for someone else to take over the reins just like I took over.”
While she's going to miss being MLA, both herself and her husband have known since the 2012 election that two terms was the maximum. Leskiw has no immediate plans other than relaxing and enjoying summer in the area, but added she's unsure of what the future holds.
“We'll see how bored I get sitting at home, no plans. I just didn't realize how tired I was until I spent the last couple of weeks just doing nothing.”
So what does the former MLA think of her successors?
Like Leskiw, recently elected local Wildrose MLA Scott Cyr has no previous experience in politics. Coming from experience, the former MLA expressed that Cyr will have to find himself in the world of politics just as she did seven years ago.
“I wish him all the best and time will tell. He's in the opposition and I'm sure he'll work hard in the community just as the people before him did,” said Leskiw, who added that she did have some advice for the new MLA.
“You have two ears and one mouth, you have to listen. Listen to your constituents, listen to the people around you but have your own opinion. Be your own decision maker.”
Provincially, being a former PC MLA Leskiw didn't always agree with the NDP policies but she said it's not fair to judge the party before they've had a chance to get started.
“I always got along well with the four NDP people and I always got along well with Rachel Notley, I liked her as a person,” said Leskiw. “She loves the province just like everybody else does and I don't think she's going to do something to purposely harm the province.”
The former local MLA of seven years knows it's time to take a back seat and just take with her the many memories of her time in politics. One thing Leskiw won't be taking with her is regrets.
“All of the things I said I was going to work towards, pretty much everything that was on my to-do list I completed. So I feel great.”
