After two terms in office, MLA Garth Rowswell says he is ready to step aside, confident he has delivered on the priorities he set when first elected in 2019.

Rowswell entered provincial politics with a clear plan: serve a limited number of terms and focus on specific goals. Now, as the next Alberta general election approaches in 2027, he says he feels satisfied with the progress made and is comfortable moving on.

Focused on Budget, Red Tape and Energy

When he first took office, Rowswell had three key priorities in mind — balancing the provincial budget, cutting red tape and defending Alberta’s fossil fuel sector.

He points to regulatory reductions as one area where significant work has already been done. While balancing the budget has proven more complex, he says the government remains committed to that goal, even if it takes time to fully achieve.

Energy policy also remained front and centre during his time as MLA. He has been a vocal supporter of Alberta’s resource industries and has advocated for expanding coal development in the region. Rowswell maintains that while industrial projects come with environmental impacts, mitigation and responsible development should allow projects to move forward.

Health Care Took Centre Stage

Although not initially his primary focus, health care quickly became one of the most pressing issues during his first term as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped priorities across the province.

That experience influenced his decision to seek a second term, with health care reform and affordability becoming major areas of attention.

Rowswell highlights expanded support for nurse practitioners as one of his most meaningful accomplishments. Recent changes now allow nurse practitioners to open independent clinics rather than operate under a physician. Three such clinics are already operating locally, with another expected to open in Vermilion.

He also points to cross-border health information sharing as progress for the Lloydminster region. Regulatory changes now allow Alberta’s Netcare system to share patient information into Saskatchewan, improving access to records for residents who rely on services on both sides of the provincial boundary.

Not Done Contributing

While he does not plan to seek re-election, Rowswell says he does not envision stepping away from public life entirely. After years of high-level involvement, he believes there may still be opportunities to assist with province-wide initiatives or policy work if needed.

Looking back, he describes his time in office as demanding but rewarding. Serving as MLA required long hours and constant engagement, yet he says the experience never felt like a burden. Instead, it offered growth, perspective and the chance to represent his community at the provincial level.

As he prepares to close this chapter, Rowswell says he is grateful for the opportunity to serve and proud of the work accomplished during his time in office.