Country singer George Canyon won't seek Conservative nomination
High River resident had announced his intention to run for federal Bow River riding
Country music singer George Canyon says a recent "health scare" has made him reverse his decision to throw his hat into the ring to run for a federal Conservative nomination.
In January, Canyon said he would seek to be elected in Alberta's new Bow River riding.
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Canyon posted his change of mind to his Facebook page on Friday afternoon.
Statement from George Canyon
"I've always taken pride in having a fully transparent and candid relationship with all of you. It's important that you know everything is fine, but I recently had a health scare that made me re-evaluate a few key things in my life. That's where you come in. Although, I recently announced my intention to run for the Conservative nomination in the Bow River riding, I have realized that I'd rather serve my fans and fellow Canadians through my music. A health scare has the serendipitous ability to remind all of us that life is precious and finite. I want to dedicate all my time to my loving family and you - my 'family away from home'."
The Bow River riding will include the communities of Brooks and Taber to the south of Calgary, but will also include a large chunk of land to the east and north of the city, all the way to the border of Drumheller. It encompasses part of what is now the Crowfoot riding, a seat held by Conservative MP Kevin Sorenson.
Alberta gained six new ridings in the recent redrawing of the federal electoral map, and will now have 34 electoral districts in the next election in 2015.
