With a ministerial shuffle expected this summer, two more Conservative cabinet members have declared their intentions.
- Marjory LeBreton, the government Senate leader since 2006, plans to step down but remain in the Conservative caucus. She will automatically retire from the Senate in April 2015, when she turns 75.
- Diane Ablonczy, the minister of state for consular affairs and the Americas, announced Thursday that she won't run in the next election. Ablonczy was first elected to the House of Commons as part of the Reform class of 1993. Ablonczy, 64, represents Calgary--Nose Hill, Alta.
Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield recently announced his desire to step down from cabinet as he battles Hodgkin's lymphoma. And Minister of State (Finance) Ted Menzies will not run for re-election in southern Alberta.
Here is LeBreton's statement:
“After almost seven and a half years, I have advised the Prime Minister of my intention to step down as Leader of the Government in the Senate.
I would like to personally thank Prime Minister Harper for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to serve in his government and to be part of so many initiatives undertaken by our government on behalf of our fellow citizens, whether it be economic growth and stability, safer communities or courageous and principled foreign policy. Most of all, I want to thank him for his trust, his strong leadership and his friendship.
While I will be leaving the position of Government Leader in the Senate, I will continue to be an active member of the Conservative Caucus over the next few years. I intend to step up my efforts in support of meaningful Senate reform and also actively back the new strengthened rules we introduced regarding Senate expenses.”
In a statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he would consult with Conservative senators over the summer before appointing a new government leader.
-Andrew Thomson
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