MLA Lindsay Blackett with his family.

MLA for Calgary Northwest, Lindsay Blackett, recently announced that he would not run in the next election. Blackett cites family commitments as his reason for the decision that was six months in the making. Blackett has a 13-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son.

As Minister of Culture and Community Services from March 2008 to October 2011, Blackett was a big supporter of the arts in Airdrie and Rocky View. Linda Bruce, executive director of Creative Airdrie, says his decision is a big loss to the community since he was a great supporter of the Society and arts development in the City.