Hale to leave politics

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

Strathmore-Brooks MLA Jason Hale announced on Feb. 27 that he intends to step back from politics and take some time to focus on his family and their business.
Hale recently is best known for crossing the floor from the Wildrose Party to join the Progressive Conservatives. Hale said he has zero regrets about the decision.
“I support the Premier 100 per cent in his vision,” said Hale.
With an election on the horizon Hale gave his opinion about the possible call for an early election.
“The Premier stated that with the type of budget that the government is putting forward here in March, he will need a mandate from the people of Alberta to implement it,” said Hale.
“That’s basically why they’re calling it now instead of waiting until next year, with the financial situation we’re in and price of oil and the reliance that we have on oil and gas royalty revenue that needs to be dealt with.”
He continued on to say that in the budget there will be changes, and that the people need to be able to voice their opinion through the election, about whether they want the government to go ahead and implement what will be proposed in the budget.
“I think Jason’s decision was probably quite a difficult one, and when you’re involved in public service it often means that family life and business life or the business you were in can suffer so I certainly understand the push and the pull,” said PC candidate Molly Douglass.
“I appreciated what he has contributed to our Strathmore-Brooks constituency and I wish him and his family all the best into the days ahead.”
Derek Fildebrandt has filled Hale’s vacated seat in the Wildrose Party by acclamation and Douglass has already named her intentions to become the new MLA. As for whether or not Hale will ever return to politics, “Right now my focus is just on our agricultural operation and one never knows what the future holds,” said Hale.