NDP MPs announce they won’t be seeking re-election in upcoming federal election « Canada’s NDP
OTTAWA — On Thursday, NDP MPs Rachel Blaney (North Island—Powell River), Charlie Angus (Timmins—James Bay) and Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing) announced they won’t be seeking re-election in the upcoming federal election.
Blaney is stepping away from her role as the party’s whip; Angus, who marks his twentieth year elected in federal politics this June, and Hughes, who has been representing constituents in northern Ontario since being elected in 2008, are hoping to spend more time with their families after years of dedicated public service.
“On behalf of all New Democrats, I want to thank Rachel, Charlie, and Carol for their years of advocacy and dedication to serving working people,” said NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. “They’ve all accomplished so much for Canadians and worked tirelessly to make our country a fairer, better place. They’ve added so much to our party and, while we’ll miss their contributions around the caucus table, I want to wish my friends the very best when each of them begins their next chapter.”
Blaney has been a stalwart defender of veterans and seniors having pioneered a study into women’s veteran’s health and successfully lobbying for more GIS rebates for seniors. Angus spent his decades in politics defending the rights of First Nations children against discriminatory government policies and fighting for a sustainable jobs plan for energy workers from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Hughes has served as the deputy speaker in multiple Parliaments, and championed expanded services for northern Ontario.
In this Parliament, New Democrats have secured dental coverage for millions of Canadians, developed a framework for single-payer universal pharmacare, including coverage of birth control and diabetes medication, anti-scab legislation, an Indigenous-led housing program, and affordable child care enshrined in legislation.
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“It’s been an honour to serve British Columbians over the past nine years, and I’ll continue to fight for them until the next election,” said Blaney. “It’s been an incredibly difficult decision to step away from politics but I’m proud of what New Democrats have accomplished for working people. Being an MP has been a great privilege and honour, but it’s time for me to focus on my family and stay closer to home on beautiful Vancouver Island.”
“After seven elections, 20 years of service in Parliament, and the privilege of being the longest-serving MP in Timmins history, it is time to pass on the baton,” said Angus. “The Electoral Boundary Commission has created a much larger region for me to cover and this has caused me to do a major rethink about my personal obligations. For two decades I have been a part-time husband and part-time Dad. It’s time to focus my work a little closer to home. I will still be around working for the north, for justice issues and climate action.”
“I’m exceptionally proud of what I’ve managed to accomplish alongside our NDP team,” said Hughes. “I know that we can continue to show Canadians that we can enact real, tangible, positive change by electing more New Democrats. I look forward to helping elect that next generation of progressive MPs, but it’s time for me to start planning on spending more time with my family.”