Article content continued

Pincott spoke publicly about his struggles with depression for the first time in September 2017. He said after spending four years “struggling through the darkest and longest period I had ever experienced, I was at a point where I could share a bit of what the journey was like for me.”

“Following that bout, I was intent on developing strategies that would allow me to recognize when I was sliding earlier, and hopefully intervene earlier, before hitting rock bottom,” Pincott stated.

“This summer, I saw the signs. I reached out to my support network, and my doctor and I began working together again, adjusting medication etc. The work that we did in the summer gave me the confidence to be able to make the decision to put my name forward to be the NDP Candidate for Calgary-Acadia.”

In 2017, Pincott announced he would not run in the Calgary municipal election after a decade on city council, representing Ward 11. During his time on council, Pincott was an advocate for mental health, affordable housing and the arts.

The seat in Calgary-Acadia is currently held by Brandy Payne, the associate health minister, who said in March she wouldn’t be seeking re-election to spend more time with her family.

Pincott was first elected to council in 2007 with about one-third support after longtime alderman Barry Erskine unexpectedly retired, and Pincott held onto his Ward 11 seat following tight races in 2010 and 2013.

During his decade on council, Pincott worked on hot-button issues in his ward, including a methadone clinic that moved into Braeside and the southwest bus rapid transit project.

Pincott urged Albertans to “throw aside the divisiveness and invective, and enter into a conversation” with one another.

“That conversation needs to be founded in empathy, with a strong desire for understanding,” he stated. “Listen to the fears and concerns that run below the invective and hate. Let’s find a way to share hope, joy, and love with each other. We can’t wait for someone else to do it. We must start with ourselves and then demand it of our leaders.

“I wish everyone all the best for 2019. As for me, I will continue to try to do my best.”