By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday, June 20, 2013
Bob Rae quits as MP
Bob Rae, who served as interim Liberal leader following the party’s disastrous showing in the 2011 election, is stepping down as an MP.
Rae told his Liberal colleagues of his decision during Wednesday’s party caucus meeting, an announcement that was met with tears and applause, according to sources.
Rae recently accepted the role of chief negotiator for First Nations in talks with the Ontario government about development of the Ring of Fire, and is to tour the nine Matawa communities in the mining and resource-rich area of Northern Ontario this summer. Rae is a former NDP premier of the province.
At a news conference with Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau in the foyer of the House of Commons, Rae said that work as a lawyer and mediator was taking more and more of his time and he felt he needed to focus on his role with the First Nations. He didn’t say when his resignation would be effective.
“This is not about money, this is about time. I’m not being paid for my work in the North,” Rae said, adding that his decision was about, “How can I effectively serve the interests of the people I’ve been asked to serve?
“The passion and the enthusiasm that I feel for the First Nations of Canada, the need for a different kind of partnership between Canada’s first people and those of us who’ve come later on, is absolutely necessary,” he continued.
Rae thanked his caucus colleagues and said “above all, I want to thank my leader,” saying he has enjoyed his time working with Trudeau. He added that he and Trudeau had been discussing his departure. (Source: CBC News)