Alberta Premier Dave Hancock stepping down from legislature

Dave Hancock resigned as the MLA for Edmonton-Whitemudduring his last news conference as Alberta premier this morning.

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Hancock was emotional as he spoke at Government House in Edmonton.

With his wife Janet at his side, Hancock choked back tearsas he spoke about how families are affected by life in the public eye.

"Very few people understand the toll that politics takeson families," he said as his wifeplaced her hand on his shoulder. "It's a consuming job, and finding that balance between family and province is probably the most challenging task."

The Progressive Conservative caucus named Hancock interim premier and party leader after Alison Redford resigned in March.

Hancock's time in the provinces top political job will end when new PC leader Jim Prentice is sworn-in on Monday.

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He told reporters that he hasn't yet submitted his resignation letter but expects the seat will be vacated in time for the byelections expected to take place this fall.

"On behalf of Progressive Conservatives and all Albertans, I would like to thank Premier Hancock and his wife Janet for their enormous contributions to our province throughout their time in public life," said premier-designate Jim Prentice in a statement.

"I have always admired the premiers extensive understanding of public policy, and his passion for issues like education and childrens literacy which have bettered our province."

According to Derek Fildebrandt with Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Hancock will get a $714,000 transition allowance. He says that number is based on Hancock's salary and years of service.

Longtime politician

A lawyer and longtime PC party member, Hancock was first elected in 1997. He served in cabinet in eight different portfoliosunder premiers Ralph Klein, Ed Stelmach and Alison Redford.

One of those roles included education minister. The Alberta Teachers' Association said in a statement thatHancock had a continuing interestand commitment to public education at all levels.

Whenever I met Dave, he was wearing on his lapel a 'Children First' pin,"said ATA president Mark Ramsankar in the release. For him this was more than a slogan, but a life commitment. On behalf of Albertas 36,000 teachers, I want to extend to the Honourable Dave Hancock our thanks for his service and our best wishes as he moves on to new challenges.

Hancock also served as House Leader during most of his time in the legislature. He paid tribute to PC caucus members as well as MLAs from opposition parties.

"I've worked with some really great people from all parties and from all caucuses who want to do the best thing for Alberta," he said. "And I would hope that as we go forward we cancontinue to honour and respect service and the people who provide service because it's not an easy job."

In a statement, OppositionWildrose leader Danielle Smith wished Hancock and his family well.

While we have shared no shortage of disagreements in our day-to-day battles in the legislature, there is no question that Premier Hancock has shown a strong dedication to our province with his passion towards public service," she said.

"Mr. Hancock leaves office with a well-deserved reputation as a top-notch parliamentarian, hard-working local representative, and dedicated family man."

Hancock's resignation from Edmonton-Whitemud leaves a seat open for former Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel.

There is much speculation thatMandel, a member of Jim Prentice's transitionteam, will be one of the people named to cabinet on Monday.

• See online reaction to Hancock's announcement here