Nunavut MP won't run in next election

Nunavut Liberal MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell says she won't be a candidate in the next federal election.

The decision isbased on a combination of factors and not one particular issue, she tolda news conference in Iqaluit on Friday.

"I've been a member of Parliament for nine-and-a-half years and eight of those as a single parent," she said. "It's taken its toll on me."

Karetak-Lindell, 49, said she made the announcement now to give her riding association enough time to choose a new candidate. Rumours in Ottawa suggest there could be an election as early as spring.

She said she discussed the reasons for her decision with Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion, adding that she would have been proud to run for him in the next campaign.

She also said she will continue to work hard for Nunavummiut until the next federal election.

First elected to the House of Commons in 1997, Karetak-Lindellwas re-elected in 2000, 2004 and 2006.