James Rajotte leaving federal politics
Edmonton-Leduc MP follows Peter Goldring, Laurie Hawn into retirement
Edmonton-Leduc MP James Rajotte says he will not run in the upcoming federal election.
"I'll be turning 45 this summer and it's just my feeling it's time to move on to other challenges," he told CBC News Sunday.
In a written statement issued Sunday, Rajotte cited his role as chair of two parliamentary committees — Finance and Industry, Science and Technology — as the most fulfilling work he did in his almost 15 years in Ottawa.
He also expressed pride that three of his private member's initiatives involving identity theft, Alzheimer's and financial literacy have been adopted by the House of Commons.
Bad news for Parliament. <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesRajotte">@JamesRajotte</a> is one of the most thoughtful & respected MPs, by universal acclaim. Will miss you, good friend.
—@jkenneyRajotte briefly entertained running for the leadership of the Alberta Progressive Conservatives following Alison Redford's resignation last year.
However he said Sunday he will not be running for the provincial leadership in the near future and, in fact, will be looking for something outside of politics.
He is the most recent federal Tory in the Edmonton area to announce his departure.
Edmonton-East MP Peter Goldring and Edmonton-Centre MP Laurie Hawn have both announced their retirements.