Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna says as she leaves politics she will use what platform she has to push for climate action and an end to the hateful comments and personal abuse targeting public figures.
McKenna told Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the weekend that she won t be seeking re-election as the Liberal MP in Ottawa Centre, citing a desire to spend more time with her three children, and pursue climate action from outside government.
She insisted it is not because she was frustrated and said she is proud of the accomplishments of the government, including a the national climate plan and price on pollution.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna will not be seeking re-election, but pledges to keep fighting against climate change as a private citizen. File photo by Andrew Meade
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After six years of pushing for climate action at the federal level, Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna will be focusing her future efforts not on running for re-election, but on helping to tackle climate change as a citizen.
McKenna announced Monday that her decision to step back was motivated not by the sexist attacks she has received during her time in office, but by a desire to spend time with her children and continue the fight against climate change.
McKenna retiring from politics, creates possible opening for Mark Carney
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OTTAWA – Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna has decided not to run for re-election.
Her decision opens up some prime political real estate – Ottawa Centre – which could become a launching pad for former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney should he decide to run for the Liberals in the next election.
McKenna has held the riding since 2015 when she wrestled it away from the New Democrats.
McKenna is to hold a news conference Monday to announce her decision, but The Canadian Press has obtained an advance copy of her remarks.
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