Gil McGowan announced his decision to withdraw from the NDP leadership race, citing financial constraints as the primary reason. He mentioned that the final $60,000 entry fee installment, due at midnight, became a hurdle he couldn't overcome, leading to the suspension of his campaign. Despite stepping down as a candidate for party leader, he assured his commitment to fighting against the UCP's agenda, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to a broader demographic to strengthen the party's support base.
McGowan highlighted his belief that to secure victory, the Alberta NDP needs to appeal to a wider range of individuals, specifically working Albertans with varying educational backgrounds who currently favor the UCP over the NDP. He stressed the necessity for the party to connect with these groups and integrate them into the coalition essential for defeating the UCP in upcoming elections. McGowan's departure from the leadership race signifies a shift in focus towards sustaining and expanding support among working-class voters to fortify the party's position in Alberta's political landscape.