CALGARY – Conservative MP Ted Menzies announced his resignation on Wednesday.
Menzies had served as Member of Parliament for the electoral district of Macleod since being elected in 2004.
The district is located in southwest Alberta, stretching from Waterton Lakes National Park in the south, to the western and southern part of Calgary in the north.
The Macleod riding, which was temporarily abolished in 1966 before being re-established in 1986, includes communities such as High River, Okotoks, Vulcan, Pincher Creek, Claresholm, Fort Macleod and the southern tip of Banff.
Menzies had announced in July that he wouldn’t be running in the 2015 Federal election, saying the decision came from witnessing the effects of the floods in Alberta and the devastation of High River.
However, Menzies took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce his immediate resignation.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement following Menzies announcement, commending him for his years of service.
BELOW: Prime Minister Harper’s full statement on Ted Menzies’ resignation
“On behalf of the entire Conservative caucus, I would like to thank Ted Menzies for his many years of devoted service to his constituents of Macleod in the Parliament of Canada, and for his tremendous contributions to our Government. Since his election to the House of Commons, Ted has been a strong voice and advocate for Alberta, and a valued member within our caucus.
“Ted was first elected to represent the riding of Macleod in 2004, and was re-elected in 2006, 2008 and 2011. With a strong background in agriculture and international trade, Ted has served in a number of key positions, including as the Official Opposition Critic for International Trade and International Cooperation, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, and most recently as Minister of State (Finance). In all of these functions, he has earned the highest respect not just of me, but of all his colleagues in Parliament. Ted’s expertise, insight and exemplary work ethic will certainly be missed as our Government continues to work towards providing economic stability and financial security for Canadians.
“Together with all of his friends and colleagues, Laureen and I would like to extend our personal best wishes to Ted in all of his future endeavours, and thank him for all that he has done for his constituents, the Conservative caucus, and all Canadians.”
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi sent well wished to the MP on Thursday, via Twitter.
Menzies served as Minister of State (Finance) from January 2011 to July 2013.
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