UCP Backbencher MLA Shane Getson Resigns a Day Before Alberta Legislature Resumes

Alberta United Conservative Party MLA Shane Getson announced his resignation on Oct. 26, a day before the legislature reconvened, citing personal and family reasons.

“I can no longer give the time and attention that I have over the last seven years,“ Getson said in a written statement distributed to local newspapers and shared by the UCP caucus on Oct. 26. ”Providing anything less would diminish both my responsibilities to the people I serve and to my family.”

Getson was elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023 in the mainly rural riding of Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, whose boundary starts about 40 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.

In February, Getson declined to state his position on Alberta independence after the Republican Party of Alberta claimed he was one of 18 UCP MLAs who supported Alberta separating from Canada.

Getson did not elaborate on his decision to step down, but thanked Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, cabinet ministers, public servants, and his family for their support and assistance.

He also expressed pride in promoting Alberta’s economic interests and energy sector, and representing the province internationally on trade, energy security, and investment.

“I encourage you to do your part. Be involved locally. Be proud of what we have built. Recognize where we have made mistakes and work to improve,” he wrote.

Getson was the governing UCP caucus whip from 2023 to 2025, helping maintain party discipline in the legislature.

Getson was straightforward about his views on gender transition, COVID restrictions, Canada’s pandemic response, and transgender surgery.

“You’re not going to grow back those parts if you change your mind,” Getson said during a debate in the legislature in 2025, using the example of a bull which becomes a steer after castration. “If the steer changes his mind, too late; you’re a steer.”

Getson later opened up about his experiences of being abused in childhood and how religious faith, team sports, and hard work helped his recovery.

He became a vocal opponent of COVID restrictions and vaccine requirements during the pandemic, and stated his support for the 2022 Freedom Convoy movement, prompting Alberta’s opposition NDP to demand his removal from the UCP caucus.

Getson also used his farewell statement to caution against “woke” policies.

“Don’t chase the wackado woke, DEI, socialist easy fix for nothing ideas because of emotions getting ahead of logic,” he wrote. “At the same time, keep your ears and minds open. Listen to different perspectives.”

Getson’s resignation comes a week after Alberta held a referendum on policy and constitutional changes, including whether to hold a vote on separation from Canada.

Roughly 75 percent of voters opposed holding a referendum on separation from Canada. Five policy proposals passed, while four proposed constitutional reforms were rejected. Smith said in the aftermath of the referendum that those running as candidates for the UCP need to be supportive of Alberta remaining a part of Canada.

Getson’s departure leaves Alberta’s governing UCP with 46 seats in the legislature, compared with 39 for the opposition NDP and one for the Progressive Conservatives.

It’s unclear whether a byelection will be called to replace Getson before the next provincial election. Under the Alberta Legislative Assembly Act, Smith is not required to call a byelection during the final year of a legislative term.

Alberta’s next general election is scheduled to take place less than a year from now, on Oct. 18, 2027.