Hot off the gallery listserv comes word that one of the hardest-working ministers in cabinet -- no, really, you try imposing your minority government's legislative agenda on a fractious and chaotic House of Commons -- won't be running in the next election:

Jay Hill Will Not Seek Re-election

 

Fort St. John, B.C.

- After 22 years in federal politics, The Honourable Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, British Columbia, and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced today that he will not seek re-election.

 

At a meeting last night in Fort St. John, B.C., Hill informed the Board of Directors for the Prince George-Peace River Conservative Party of Canada of his decision.

 

"I've always felt that for politicians the time to go is when things are still going well ... when you've reached the crest of the hill, but before starting down the other side.  For me that time is now," said Hill.

 

"I must ensure that those to whom I owe my greatest loyalty and immense gratitude, and who have always been there to support me through seven federal elections and all the years in between, have sufficient time to select the next Conservative candidate for our great constituency."

 

"I could not have done this without the tremendous support of constituents, my dedicated staff and my family.  I would also like to thank Prime Minister Stephen Harper, my fellow Cabinet members and my caucus colleagues.  It has been a privilege to work with these distinguished individuals who are committed to serving Canada and our democracy."

 

Hill first ran as a Reform candidate in the 1988 federal election.  He was elected in 1993 as the Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, which he continues to represent in the House of Commons having been re-elected by healthy majorities in five subsequent General Elections.

 

In opposition, Hill served as Chief Opposition Whip and Opposition House Leader, and in various critic roles including justice, agriculture and national defence.

 

Upon the election of the Conservative Government in 2006, Hill was sworn into the Privy Council of Canada as Chief Government Whip.  He was subsequently appointed to the unique position of Minister of State to Assist the Prime Minister.  In 2008, Minister Hill was appointed by the Prime Minister to his current Cabinet position as Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.

 

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Tags: blackberry jungle, jay hill, let the fall election speculation begin (like it ever stopped)