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NewsAlert: Shane Getson, outspoken UCP backbencher, quits Alberta legislature

  • The Canadian Press

  • Canadian Press

  • October 26, 2026

Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland member of the legislature Shane Getson,and Premier Danielle Smith tour Jasper, Alta., on Friday July 26, 2024. Wildfires encroaching into the townsite of Jasper forced an evacuation of the national park and destroyed over 300 of the town's approximately 1100 structures. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

EDMONTON -- A plainspoken, two-term Alberta United Conservative backbencher who courted controversy and riled up the Opposition NDP is leaving.

Shane Getson, in a statement, says he is leaving due to personal and family reasons but does not elaborate.

He has represented Lac. Ste. Anne-Parkland, a mostly rural riding northwest of Edmonton since 2019.

Getson never served in cabinet but for a time was the United Conservative caucus whip.

He made headlines for controversial comments, including comparing transgender surgery to livestock castration.

Getson later spoke of overcoming his own childhood abuse through religious faith, team sports, and hard work.

More coming.