After 15 years and four terms in the provincial political spotlight, Banff-Cochrane MLA Janis Tarchuk announced Saturday (Dec. 3) she will not seek re-election.
She made the announcement at the Banff-Cochrane Progressive Conservative riding association’s annual general meeting to give potential candidates time to consider their options prior to throwing their hat into the electoral ring.
“This is a great job,” she said, Tuesday (Dec. 6). “I’ve enjoyed every day of it and it’s been an honour to represent the constituents in the legislature. I’ve been so fortunate to work with so many good people.
“I’ve had 22 years of public service and it’s time to move on and allow someone else the opportunity.”
Tarchuck said at this time she has no specific plans for after a 2012 provincial election, but said she will be spending time helping other possible candidates.
“I think there we’ll have lots of interest,” she said. “I’ve already spoken to six or seven people in the riding who are interested, and I have to return a couple more calls.
“The next six weeks will be interesting,” she said. “People are asking for information on the process and a nomination committee will oversee that process. People can take a serious look at running through December and January, with likely a cutoff in mid-January. I’m confident we’ll have great candidates.
“I’ll continue in my role until the (election) writ is dropped.”
In looking back at her 15 years as an MLA, Tarchuk said she has many fond memories, “and I think a lot has been accomplished.”
In particular, she said, work in three areas was important. The first was offering responsive service in a timely way to constituents, listening to those constituents as to provincial matters and working closely with community to ensure the province played a role in endeavours.
“The greatest accomplishment, I’d have to say, is in the area of partnerships. I think we really achieved success thanks to dedicated volunteers and community leaders who are passionate about their communities and finding solutions to problems.”
Examples of the partnerships, she said, was the creation of signifiant infrastructure, including new schools, seniors’ centres and affordable housing and transportation projects.
Specifics, she said, include parks and outdoor facilities, among them the Glenbow Ranch, where thousands of acres were preserved, “and the Canmore Nordic Centre (funding) and Banff Refreshing.
“When you look at all of that, it’s based on all of us working together for quality of life and visitor experience. I’m proud of those accomplishments and proud that we made those happen.”
In the end, Tarchuk said she’s looking forward to what comes next for her, though it won’t be in politics.
“I feel really good about this decision. I’ll be leaving with a lot of new friends and no regrets.”
Tarchuk is currently chair of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. She chaired several committees related to economic development, finance, taxation, sustainable development and health and served as Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister of Children’s Services.
She is on the board of the Alberta Research and Innovation Authority and is a member of the Strategic Tourism Marketing Council, the Cabinet Policy Committee on Education and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.
Prior to becoming an MLA, Tarchuk belonged to and chaired several local health and education boards and served as an executive member of the Alberta School Boards Association.
