James Moore's departure: the Conservative exodus continues
"There are a lot of people who can serve as the Member of Parliament for my riding, but only one person can be Spencer's dad. And that's me. I need to go home."
And with that, Industry Minister James Moore becomes the latest senior Minister in Stephen Harper's cabinet to resign, four months before this fall's election and after 15 years serving as an MP.
Moore's surprise announcement came Friday, just before the House rose for the summer.
"I have a little two-and-a-half year old boy, his name is Spencer and he was born with a rare bone disease, and it's very challenging to be a Member of Parliament and go to and from Vancouver...and to have a son back home. It's very hard to maintain that balance and when you have a child with special needs you have to recognize that," Moore told The House.
The Prime Minister understands that challenge, Moore said, adding that he told Harper about his decision a few weeks ago.
But what impact might Moore's departure have on the party as it heads into election season?
Moore, for one, isn't worried.
"I have every confidence Stephen Harper is going to win the next election," he said.
You can watch Chris Hall and Terry Milewski discuss James Moore's departure right here.
