South Okanagan-West Kootenay NDP MP Richard Cannings
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September 12, 2023 - 12:00 PM
The only NDP MP in the Thompson-Okanagan, Richard Cannings, announced today he won’t run for re-election in the next federal election.
“I got into politics to work across party lines and get things done," Cannings said in a news release today, Sept. 12. "I’m proud of what our party has accomplished and the key legislation I brought forward to make a difference in our region and across Canada. Cooperation is better than empty critique, pushing is better than pure politicking.”
If the election is not called early, Cannings will have served a decade as an MP. The next election has to be held by Oct. 20, 2025 at the latest.
Cannings’ successes, listed in the news release, include support for the mass timber industry, excise tax exemption in support of local beverage producers, tacking climate change, working to reduce emissions and phase out subsidies to the fossil fuel sector as well as working to protect species at risk.
“This is an opportunity to continue this work with a new NDP MP,” he said in the news release. “I’ve spoken with several strong candidates that will make me proud to pass on the torch. I believe our riding understands that electing an NDP representative means putting aside the politics and working to secure good policies that help people.”
In the meantime, he will continue to push for a national pharmacare plan, Environmental Bill of Rights and significant investments in housing and affordability measures, the press release says.
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