Rod Loyola, a long-time Alberta NDP MLA, launched his campaign under the Liberal banner on Saturday.
Loyola recently resigned his seat in the Alberta legislature to run in Edmonton Gateway, with a focus on affordable housing, strong public services and a sustainable economy.
“One cannot be a sitting MLA and be a candidate for federal election. So it was a very big decision that I needed to make,” Loyola said at his launch. “Talking it over with family, we decided to give it a go, and so we’re really excited.”
Loyola said he was asked by the Liberals to run about a year ago, but the deciding factor was when Mark Carney was elected as the new Liberal leader.
“He is the man of the hour that we need, especially in order to stand up to Donald Trump south of the border. When I started hearing Mark Carney’s speeches, I found it inspiring,” Loyola said.
“I found that he wasn’t your typical liberal. Even though he is a central banker, he is a central banker that acknowledges that an economy should be working for the people and not people working for the economy.”
Loyola said Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi was understanding of his decision to step down after 10 years as the MLA for Edmonton Ellerslie.
“I can’t remember the exact words that he said, but basically he said, ‘These are times that require good men to stand up,‘” he added. “Obviously, he was sad to see me leave the Alberta NDP, but he understood why, and he encouraged me.”
He will be vying for votes against Conservative candidate Tim Uppal, who beat out Liberal MP Amarjeet Sohi in 2019.
With files from Lisa Johnson
