Manitoba Conservative MP Rod Bruinooge won't seek re-election

Manitoba Conservative MP Rod Bruinooge is stepping away from politics.

After nearly 10 years representing the Winnipeg South riding, Bruinooge said he's choosing to spend more time with his family. He will finish his current term but won't run in October's federal election.

“As a parent of two young children it has grown more difficult to leave every week to Ottawa. After losing a close family member over Christmas it has reminded me how precious each moment is with my kids," he said in a press release on Wednesday.

"I have told my children today that come October I will no longer be an MP and will be spending all of my time with them. They were very excited."

The 41-year-old Bruinooge was first elected in 2006 election and was immediately appointed parliamentary secretary to the Department of Indian Affairs. He stepped down from that role in 2008 to focus on his constituency and spend more time with his new family.

“I am proud of the accomplishments in my career and especially thankful to have been involved in extending the Canadian Human Rights Act to First Nations people on reserve and the historic apology by Canada to the survivors of the residential schools," he stated in his news release.

"It has been a great honour representing the constituents of Winnipeg South these past years.”