Crosbie bows out of federal race

Date: May 31, 2004
ST. JOHN'S - John Crosbie has decided not to make a comeback in federal politics.

John Crosby

The former federal cabinet minister had been giving serious consideration to seeking the Conservative nomination in the riding of Avalon, against Liberal incumbent John Efford.

Crosbie says a "sober second thought" and a variety of personal issues, including his own wellbeing and the health of his family, contributed to his decision to sit out the campaign.

Among other things, he cited the stress of political life as a reason to stand down.

"You would have a life of travelling from St. John's to Ottawa every week ... and would have to travel across Canada as part of your duties," he says. "Whether people realize it or not, the life of a politician or an MP is a difficult one. It's tough; it takes a lot of stamina."

He says his wife Jane was influential. "She wasn't keen on it," he says. "She clearly didn't want me going back to that lifestyle at my age." Crosbie is 73.

Not acting on doctors' orders

Crosbie, who admits he was poised to declare last week, says he was not acting on medical advice, but made his decision after talking the issues over with family and advisors, including some close supporters from his earlier life in politics.

The Conservatives had been hoping Crosbie would bring profile and extra credibility to its East Coast campaign, particularly in a riding featuring a popular Liberal incumbent cabinet minister. Crosbie describes Efford as "no slouch" on the campaign trail.

Crosbie says he still supports the party's platform, and issued an often-stinging nine-page critique of the Liberal government to help bolster the Tory campaign. In the statement, he described the Liberal government as arrogant and hypocritical.

Crosbie was first elected to the House of Commons in a 1976 byelection. He represented St. John's West for the former Progressive Conservative party until he retired in 1993.

A contender for the 1983 PC leadership campaign, Crosbie was a front-bench member of the Tory government from 1984 to 1993. He held cabinet portfolios in fisheries, justice and international trade. He was also finance minister during Joe Clark's short-lived 1979-1980 government.

Crosbie, now 73, returned to private law practice since his retirement but has spoken frequently about political issues. He earlier attacked the planned merger of the PC party with the Canadian Alliance, but has since said he supports Conservative leader Stephen Harper.

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