Oshawa MP not running for re-election after two decades in office

After 20 years in the House of Commons Oshawa MP Colin Carrie is calling it a day and will not run in the next federal election, expected sometime next year.

The seven-term MP shared his plans with the Oshawa Conservative Association’s members and volunteers this week at its Annual General Meeting.

“I’m eternally grateful to Oshawa’s constituents for the trust and support you’ve placed in me over the two decades that I’ve served our community in Parliament,” said Carrie, who will continue to serve as MP until the writs are issued for the election.

Carrie, a chiropractor by trade, was first elected in 2004 and said it has been “the honour of my life” to serve Oshawa since then. “I’ll forever hold dear the privilege of welcoming so many new Canadians who chose to make Oshawa their new home (but) now is the right time to clear a path for another Conservative voice to represent our community.”

In February, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a private member’s bill that Carrie introduced that would ensure that more information about the temporary absences, releases or parole of offenders is provided to victims of crimes.

Carrie, 61, says he will be working hard in the coming months to ensure the legislation passes in the Senate, which will start debating the bill next week.

“This very simple Bill has the potential to bring much-needed comfort and transparency to countless victims of crime, survivors and their families across our country.”

Carrie was first elected in 2004, defeating union leader Sid Ryan by just 463 votes. He would take on union leaders representing the NDP for the next three elections (including Ryan again in 2006), increasing his plurality each time until trouncing Chris Buckley in 2011 with more than 51 per cent of the vote.

The last three elections (the previous two against current school trustee Shailene Panylo) were closer but each time Carrie would come out on top against a slate of would-be MPs always led by a NDP candidate.

Carrie said he was grateful for his time in office and thanked his constituents, family, friends and co-workers for their support.

“To these individuals, along with every member of my staff – past, present and those no longer with us – along with the thousands of unsung individuals who work daily to improve every facet of life across our city, I owe a profound debt of gratitude; a debt which I may never be able to fully repay.”