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Former cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault has announced that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming federal vote scheduled to be called on Sunday. His decision comes after a tumultuous year for him and his family, which he discussed in a statement on X, indicating that these past months have been particularly challenging.
The Liberal Party had previously confirmed Boissonnault as their candidate for Edmonton Centre, a riding he initially won in 2015, lost in 2019, and then successfully reclaimed in 2021. His departure from the political race adds a notable chapter to his political journey.
Boissonnault resigned from cabinet in November last year amid scrutiny concerning his business ventures and questions regarding his claims of Indigenous identity. The controversy stemmed from reports by Global News about his former business, Global Health Imports (GHI), which he co-founded with Stephen Anderson shortly after losing his seat in the 2019 election.
A statement shared by Boissonnault highlights his intention to “turn the page” on this chapter of his life. He used social media to express this sentiment, emphasizing the need to move forward.
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The implications of Boissonnault’s exit are already stirring discussions regarding potential candidates for the upcoming election, particularly concerning where Prime Minister Mark Carney might choose to run. Carney, who has Edmonton roots and recently celebrated skating with the Oilers, has been tight-lipped about his electoral intentions.
When questioned by reporters after the first ministers meeting in Ottawa, Carney refrained from disclosing the specific riding he would target, although speculation suggests he may be eyeing the Toronto Centre seat vacated by former cabinet minister Marci Ien or the Nepean riding in Ottawa, which has become open following the Liberals’ decision to withdraw MP Chandra Arya from the ballot.
The shifting political landscape in Canada is poised to evolve further as the election approaches, with notable figures stepping back and others potentially gearing up to take their place.
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