NDP MLA Kevin Chief files resignation papers, seeks new life in private sector

Point Douglas MLA Kevin Chief turned in his resignation papers Monday morning so he can pursue new opportunities in the private sector, Manitoba's New Democrats say.

Chief announced plans to leave the political arena in December and made it official Monday when he filed his resignation papers at Speaker Myrna Driedger's office.

"He is seeking new opportunities in the private sector that will permit him to spend more time with his young family," a spokesperson with the NDP said in a statement, adding Chief won't be giving any interviews. "He has three sons, ages six, two and nine months."

The NDP did not provide details about what new opportunities in the private sector Chief intend to pursue.

• Kevin Chief's resignation met with good wishes and 'profound sadness'

In a written statement, Premier Brian Pallister said a byelection in the Point Douglas constituency will be held sometime within six months, as required by law. The byelection will be the first test of the Tory government's popularity since the election last April.

The Tories finished third in Point Douglas last year, closely behind the second-place Liberals. 

Point Douglas has only voted NDP, and was held for 21 years by former legislature speaker George Hickes.

Chief was a popular member of the NDP caucus, and scored the highest percentage of votes of any New Democrat in last year's provincial election.

He was first elected in Point Douglas in October 2011. In 2010, he ran for a spot in the federal Winnipeg North riding but lost to Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux.

Drag the Red co-founder Bernadette Smith has said she hopes to replace Chief. 

Smith has lived in Point Douglas for more than 30 years and is an advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women. Her sister, Claudette Osborne, has been missing for more than eight years.