The mask-off moment has arrived for Naheed Nenshi, the former Calgary mayor who pretended he was a semi-Conservative, as he announced his candidacy to become Alberta’s NDP leader to replace Rachel Notley.

Nenshi, who once branded himself with the colour purple — a mix between Conservative blue and Liberal red – is now orange. 

The former 11-year Calgary mayor announced his plans on Monday afternoon, just less than two months after current NDP leader Rachel Notley said she would be stepping down once a new party leader has been chosen. 

Nenshi’s campaign launch focused on “making life more affordable,” and having a strong public health service.  

Nenshi called Premier Smith’s government “not only incompetent, they’re immoral and they’re dangerous.” 

“The only things they know how to do are pick fights and waste money,” he added.

Nenshi becomes the sixth candidate to announce their intention to take over the NDP. The other five candidates are Jodi Stonehouse, Sarah Hoffman, Rakhi Pancholi, Kathleen Ganley and Gil McGowan.

Nenshi’s 11 years as Calgary mayor

In 2010, Nenshi became the first Muslim mayor of a large North American city. He won three Calgary elections before announcing he would not to seek re-election in 2021, when he was later succeeded by Jyoti Gondek.

The 11-year Calgary mayor recently declared his opposition to Premier Smith’s intention to ban hormone therapy and puberty blockers to children who think they are transgender. Nenshi criticized Premier Smith’s policy announcements as “punching down on vulnerable children.”