Close X
Monday, November 18, 2024
ADVT 
National

NDP MPs Charlie Angus, Carol Hughes, Rachel Blaney opt against seeking re-election

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Apr, 2024 10:34 AM
  • NDP MPs Charlie Angus, Carol Hughes, Rachel Blaney opt against seeking re-election

NDP MPs Carol Hughes and Rachel Blaney have joined Charlie Angus in deciding that they won't run again in the next federal election.

The federal New Democrats delivered the news in a joint announcement, saying all three want more family time after years of dedicated public service.

Angus, a 20-year veteran of Parliament Hill, confirmed his own plans to leave politics earlier Thursday, saying it's time to pass the baton. 

"One political era is ending, and another begins," he said in a statement on Facebook. 

New federal boundary changes also played a role in their decisions. 

Angus's northern Ontario riding of Timmins—James Bay is set to expand, a change Angus says will demand new energy to build relationships with constituents in so many communities.

Hughes, a longtime deputy Speaker who also represents northern Ontario, will see her riding of Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing disappear entirely in the next federal election. 

"I look forward to helping elect that next generation of progressive MPs, but it’s time for me to start planning on spending more time with my family," Hughes said in a statement. 

Blaney, who serves as party whip, said it's time for her to also focus on her family and stay closer to home, describing it as "an incredibly difficult decision to step away from politics."

"It’s been an honour to serve British Columbians over the past nine years, and I’ll continue to fight for them until the next election," she said.

In a statement, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh thanked all three for their years of advocacy and their contributions to the party.

Nearly a quarter of the NDP's caucus have announced they are set to step down, or have done so already. 

Longtime British Columbia MPs Randall Garrison and Richard Cannings have already announced they don't plan to run again. Winnipeg MP Daniel Blaikie quit his seat to work with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew. 

Despite policy gains through a political pact with the minority Liberal government, the NDP has so far struggled to translate its efforts to establish national pharmacare and dental care plans into public support.

The Conservatives, meanwhile, are eyeing NDP seats in British Columbia and northern Ontario by campaigning on affordability and opposing the federal price on pollution, arguing it is driving up the cost of goods for Canadians. 

MORE National ARTICLES

Indian-origin MP says Canadian Hindus 'soft targets', urges them to be calm, vigilant

Indian-origin MP says Canadian Hindus 'soft targets', urges them to be calm, vigilant
Stating that Hindu Canadians are 'soft targets', Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya on Thursday urged the community to stay calm, vigilant and report incidents of Hinduphobia in the face of a recent video by a Khalistani leader threatening and asking them to leave the country.

Indian-origin MP says Canadian Hindus 'soft targets', urges them to be calm, vigilant

Trudeau seeks India's help on probe of B.C. killing, India says Canada gave no info

Trudeau seeks India's help on probe of B.C. killing, India says Canada gave no info
At the United Nations today, Trudeau said during a news conference he wants India to take the matter seriously and work with Canada to ensure accountability and justice. At a briefing today, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said no specific information had been shared by Canada on the Nijjar case.  

Trudeau seeks India's help on probe of B.C. killing, India says Canada gave no info

14 railcars derailed near Rayleigh

14 railcars derailed near Rayleigh
C-N Rail says its crews are responding after 14 railcars loaded with potash derailed near Rayleigh. Spokesperson Scott Brown says there were no dangerous goods involved and no leaks, injuries or fires reported.

14 railcars derailed near Rayleigh

Airplane accident in Campbell River

Airplane accident in Campbell River
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says it will be deploying a team of investigators to Campbell River after an airplane accident. The agency says it involved a privately registered De Havilland D-H-C-2.

Airplane accident in Campbell River

B.C. First Nation to provide update on probe into three former residential schools

B.C. First Nation to provide update on probe into three former residential schools
A Fraser Valley, B.C., First Nation is expected to provide an update on its work into missing children and unmarked burials at three former residential school sites. The investigation was launched after ground-penetrating radar located what are believed to be more than 200 graves at a former residential school in Kamloops in May 2021, prompting similar searches and findings in several provinces.

B.C. First Nation to provide update on probe into three former residential schools

Tensions between Canada, India escalate following Ottawa's accusation over killing

Tensions between Canada, India escalate following Ottawa's accusation over killing
Tensions between Canada and India worsened today following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's claim that India may have been involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen. India halted all visa services for citizens of Canada and said it anticipates Ottawa will reduce its diplomatic presence in India. 

Tensions between Canada, India escalate following Ottawa's accusation over killing