Former interim Liberal leader Bob Rae plans to leave the House of Commons and concentrate on aboriginal issues and his work as a lawyer and mediator.
Rae made the announcement with current Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau following a morning caucus meeting on Parliament Hill.
Here's his official statement:
Some months ago I agreed to work with the Matawa Tribal Council in northern Ontario as their negotiator in dealings with the government of Ontario.
The Ring of Fire mining development will have a huge impact on the communities in the area and well beyond. How positive that impact could be has yet to be determined, and will depend on the outcome of the discussions that are now underway, and will only intensify in the time ahead.
It has become clear to me that the full scope of the negotiator's job is no longer compatible with my also serving as a member of Parliament. And so I face a choice.
I have decided to return to my profession as a lawyer and mediator, to continue working for the Matawa Tribal Council, and to step down as the Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre.
This has been a difficult personal decision. I was first elected to Parliament in 1978, and was deeply honoured to have had the chance to serve again these past five years, as well as to lead the Liberal Party at a time of change and renewal. I have made wonderful friendships, and am so proud of the renewal and rebuilding that has been accomplished over the last few years. I'm leaving the party in confidence that the party is in good shape.
I am especially happy that as interim leader I was able to champion aboriginal issues, and share the importance of mental health with my colleagues. I also particularly enjoyed having the confidence of Stephane Dion, Michael Ignatieff and Justin Trudeau as foreign affairs spokesman for the Liberal Party. I shall miss this work very much.
I want to thank my constituents in Toronto Centre, my colleagues and friends in the Liberal Party and all parties in Parliament, my leader, Justin Trudeau, and the people of Canada for giving me the chance to serve. It has been an honour and a pleasure.
Helping to improve the life of First Nations people has been a longstanding commitment of mine, and this opportunity to serve is one I felt I could not decline.
I have told Mr. Trudeau and my colleagues that I shall continue to work for the Liberal Party, and I look forward to remaining engaged in Canadian public life.
CPAC DIGITAL ARCHIVE
►Oct. 25, 1978
Bob Rae's introduction to the House of Commons after winning a by-election in the Toronto riding of Broadview.
Rae gave his maiden speech later in the day on Finance Minister Jean Chrétien's attempt to end debate on a bill increasing the government's borrowing power by $7 billion to cover extra loans from foreign markets.
►Dec. 12, 1979
Rae became NDP finance critic. In that capacity he moved the budget sub-amendment on non-confidence that toppled Joe Clark's minority government the following day -- seconded by longtime NDP MP Stanley Knowles.
-Andrew Thomson
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