Premier Ed Stelmach attached a closing date to his term as premier and Progressive Conservative Party leader Friday.
In a letter to party president Bill Smith, Stelmach announced his last day in office will be Oct. 1.
Stelmach, who announced his intention to step down in late January, said after a long career in public office it was time to move on.
“For nearly 25 years I have dedicated myself to public service and there comes a time to transition the leadership of our party and province to the next generation of leaders. For me that time is now,” he wrote.
Stelmach’s official departure paves the way for a leadership race, with the first vote on Sept. 17 and a second vote on Oct. 1, if necessary.
There are six candidates in the leadership race so far.
In the letter, Stelmach said he believed the province was in a good position going forward.
“We are well positioned as a party and government to continue to earn the trust of Albertans and to lead our province into an even brighter future.”
