Brian Mason, MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood and minister of transportation, will not be running in the next provincial election.

Mason, 64, told reporters Wednesday he is retiring after 29 years in politics.

At a news conference at the Alberta legislature which meandered through the highs and lows of his long political career, Mason said he has left the party in good shape.

I will not be running in the next election. Thanks to my family, collegues, staff and the voters of Edmonton Highlands-Norwood. I will continue as Transportation Minister until the election. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ableg?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ableg</a> —@bmasonNDP "We're a majority government and I toiled in the trenches for many years to get to that point, so I'm very comfortable with my departure."

Mason was first elected as an NDP MLA in a 2000 byelection, making him the longest-serving current MLA.

And without a doubt, his best day in the legislature was something he hoped for, but never imagined would ever happen, he said.

"Walking in and sitting on the other side of the house for the first time," he beamed.

"I'm very proud to have finished my political career as a member of the government."

Convinced Notley to be leader

Mason served as leader of the New Democrats from September 2004 until October 2014 when he stepped aside to bring a new leader to the party.

Mason said he provided guidance to Rachel Notley along the way, and eventually "six years of hounding finally paid off.

Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/bmasonNDP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bmasonNDP</a> for your long years of service. You were a strong opposition leader and a pain in the arse as a government house leader. Your long bus-ride into the sunset is well earned. All the best to you and your family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ableg?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ableg</a> —@Dfildebrandt "In terms of that, I think my proudest accomplishment was talking [Notley] into running for leader, not something she was ready to do," Mason said.

At a news conference in Calgary, Premier Rachel Notley paid tribute to Mason's long record of public service.

"He's always been a very strong advocate. He's never backed down from a fight," Notley said.

"And whether he was part of a caucus of two or a caucus of 54," said Notley, "he has always known exactly who he stands for."

As a cabinet minister, Mason points to the building of bridges hospitals, and roads as his most satisfying achievements.

"Just getting the province back up to where it should have been in terms of infrastructure," was a struggle, Mason said.

"The infrastructure in the province had lagged far behind the needs," he added.

Prior to his jump to provincial politics, Mason served as an Edmonton city councillor for more than three terms. He was first elected to council in a 1989 byelection.

'Excellent' timing

As a new MLA, Mason gained a reputation as a feisty member of the opposition when holding the government of the day to account. (CBC) Bringing services to residents of northeast Edmonton such as recreation facilities and soccer fields was his greatest achievement as a councillor, he said.

Mason credits his career as bus driver with the Edmonton Transit Service that prepared him for politics.

Chatting with passengers and dealing with the public is a skill he honed in the driver's seat that carried him through nearly three decades of elected office, he said.

Having never lost an election, Mason said it's critical to always stay in touch with the people you represent.

Mason said his best skills as a politician has been his timing.

The timing was right for him to step down as leader, he said, and the time is "excellent" now for him to leave politics.

Mason will stay on as a cabinet minister and MLA until the next provincial election, expected in the spring of 2019.