News

Alberta NDP MLA Raj Pannu to retire

Pannu decides to not seek nomination to represent Edmonton-Strathcona

June 14, 2006

Edmonton - NDP Opposition MLA and former leader Raj Pannu today announced that, while will continue to passionately represent his constituents in the current Assembly, he will not seek the nomination for Edmonton-Strathcona prior to the next Alberta General Election.

"I want to thank the people of Edmonton-Strathcona for their strong and continuing support for me as their representative in Alberta's Legislature, and for their support of Alberta's NDP. There is no greater calling in life than that of an elected representative and it has been an honour to represent the people of Edmonton-Strathcona," said Pannu.

"Reflecting on my years in the legislature, I firmly believe that combining our work in the legislature with social movements and civil society is how we bring about change. Bill 11, Bill 43, the teacher's strike of 2002 and our stance against the Iraq war are some of the successes I relish.

"My passion for human rights, social justice and democracy are what brought me to public life. I hope I have made a difference to the lives of Albertans, but am also aware that it is time for new blood and fresh ideas.

"I will not be absent from Alberta's political landscape, however. I will actively campaign shoulder to shoulder with the next candidate to galvanize Edmonton-Strathcona and to grow the size of our caucus. In many ways Edmonton-Strathcona is the heart and soul of Alberta's NDP. They share Alberta NDP's commitment to a truly democratic and inclusive society - one that embraces values of social justice, fairness and equality - to which I have been proud to give voice for the past nine years," said Pannu.

NDP Leader Brian Mason said Raj made an indelible impact on Alberta's political scene.

"Raj brought great dignity to the political process. He is a true intellectual who brought very sharp analyses on the government's policies, particularly on how they affected social conditions in Alberta," said Mason.

"Throughout Raj's nine years as an MLA, and as a leader in every sense of the word, he has inspired people of all political stripes with his wit and wisdom. His continuing impact, not only on our party, but on all things political cannot be overstated. He is a true humanitarian and statesman," said Mason.

Background:

Dr. Pannu was elected to the Alberta Legislature to represent Edmonton-Strathcona on March 11, 1997. He initially served as the NDP House Leader and the Caucus spokesperson on a number of portfolios including environment, education, advanced education, energy, human rights and justice.

He took over as Leader of the Alberta NDP in February of 2000, leading the party's fight on Bill 11.

Dr. Pannu was re-elected in Edmonton-Strathcona in 2001 with over 50 per cent of the vote, and again in 2004 with over 60 per cent of the vote.

Dr. Pannu received the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers' 2005 RISE Lifetime Achievement Award. This Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an immigrant, who over a longer period of time has made substantial contributions in more than one of these areas: arts and culture; business; community service; health, social services and education.

In 2001 and 2004, Alberta Venture magazine profiled Dr. Pannu as one of Alberta's Most Influential People.

Prior to his career in politics, Dr. Pannu was Professor of Education Policy Studies and Sociology at the University of Alberta for 27 years. He also taught high school in Whitecourt from 1962 to 1965.

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