OTTAWA — A first-time Liberal MP and longtime military man says he won’t run for re-election this fall.
Retired lieutenant-general Andrew Leslie says in an open letter today that after careful consideration, and while recovering from shoulder replacement surgery, he believes it is time to take a new path.
He is stepping down from his duties as the parliamentary secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland to give someone else the opportunity to serve in the role.
Leslie spent 35 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, including being head of the army during the Afghanistan war and also writing a high-profile report on the future of the military.
READ MORE: Jagmeet Singh ‘not at all’ worried whether losing a quarter of incumbents reflects leadership
- Kraft Hockeyville-winning town of Taber reopens ice rink after 2025 explosion
- Possible WestJet strike has Kelowna travellers worried about their plans
- Possible WestJet strike leaves dog competitor out thousands in rebooking fees
- Saskatchewan First Nation worried about community safety after vet clinic cancelled
Leslie won the Ottawa riding of Orleans in the 2015 election, turning the riding red after the Conservatives had held it for three elections.
Get breaking National news
Widely expected to get a cabinet post, he never did, instead serving as Liberal whip and then as Freeland’s parliamentary secretary.
WATCH: More coverage of the 2019 federal election
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.