Liberal MP TJ Harvey announces he will not run in 2019 federal election

New Brunswick MP T.J. Harvey has announced he will not run for re-election in the next federal election after one term in office.

Harvey was elected to represent the riding of Tobique-Mactaquac in 2015.

In a statement, the Liberal MP says his decision was about his “desire to return to work in the private sector.”

“Earlier this month, I informed the Prime Minister of my decision and conveyed my sincere thanks for having had the opportunity to work on behalf of New Brunswickers and rural Canadians from across the country,” his statement reads.

“I remain fully supportive of the efforts of our Liberal government, our Prime Minister and the Liberal Party of Canada and have thoroughly enjoyed my public role.”

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Harvey, a former farmer and entrepreneur, had more than 46 per cent of the votes in the last election, ahead of Conservative candidate Richard Bragdon. Prior to Harvey’s election, the riding had been Conservative since 2006.

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Fellow Atlantic Canada Liberal MP Colin Fraser has also indicated he will not re-offer in the next federal election.

The Nova Scotia MP, who represents West Nova and was also elected in 2015, said he wanted to return to his legal career and serve the community in other ways.