Geoffrey Kelley, Quebec Liberal MNA for the West Island riding of Jacques-Cartier, is reflecting on his future in politics.
“After 24 years, I think I have the right to reflect to see whether I want to do this four more years,” he said. “But I love what I do.”
This comes after a report in La Presse that states Kelley is leaving politics to clear the field and allow the Liberals to unveil a new slate of candidates.
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Kelley first jumped into politics in 1994.
He was previously a lecturer at various institutions like John Abbott College, Collège Marie-Victorin and McGill University.
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Kelley also served as a political aide for several ministers, including education (1990), municipal affairs and public security (1990–1994) and was chief of staff of the deputy premier and president of the treasury board (1994).
His most recent position in cabinet is that of minister responsible for native affairs.
He has been the MNA for Jacques-Cartier for the past 25 years.
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Just the idea that Kelley may be leaving has some that work and live in his riding worried.
“There’s no doubt if he decides to retire, it’s going to be a big loss for us here in Beaconsfield and for the whole Jacques-Cartier riding,” said Beaconsfield Mayor Georges Bourelle.
Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN) says if Kelley does leave, his shoes will be hard to fill.
“He’s a very important part of the community, he’s been a channel of input to the government and we will be very sorry for him to go,” said QCGN Vice-President Geoffrey Chambers.
La Presse is also reporting that Agriculture Minister Laurent Lessard and MNA Pierre Paradis will also soon announce that they will be leaving politics.
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Several members of the Liberal Party have already announced they will not seek reelection, including Tourism Minister Julie Boulet, Immigration Minister David Heurtel, Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux, Justice Minister Stephanie Vallée and Jean-Marc Fournier.
About 10 Liberal backbenchers have also confirmed they won’t seek be running in the Oct. 1 vote.
Kelley says the party has not given him a deadline as to when he needs to make a final decision.
He insists that when he’s ready to announce something, he will.
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