Rebecca Schulz resigns from UCP cabinet, will stay in legislature until May

UCP Minister Rebecca Schulz announced on Wednesday that she is resigning from cabinet and will stay on as MLA for Calgary-Shaw only until May 2026.

"Timing is everything in life and in politics, and it is time for me to seek new opportunities in my career," Schulz said in a notice published on social media.

Schulz was first elected in April 2019. She was serving as minister of environment and protected areas before stepping down.

Schulz also spent time as minister of children's services and minister of municipal affairs. She ran unsuccessfully for the party leadership in 2022.

Schulz has a background in communications. She is also a mother with two young children. She's one of more than two dozen MLAs with active recall campaigns against her.

In her public notice, Schulz said she got involved in Alberta politics because of the conservative unity campaign. She said she's grateful for the leadership of former premier Jason Kenney and current Premier Danielle Smith for their work to ensure unity continues.

"I hope my legacy is one of being a strong representative — responding to people's concerns, and their hopes and aspirations for our province, advocating for economic growth, limited and fiscally-responsible government, and making life better for Albertans."

She pledged to continue to support the UCP in the next election.

Smith posted her thanks publicly and wished Schulz well in her new career opportunities.

She said Grant Hunter, MLA for Taber-Warner and associate minister for water, will be the new minister of environment and protected areas.

Justin Wright, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, will be the new government whip for the UCP caucus.