Staff
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell announced Monday she will not be running for re-election in next year’s provincial election.
“I am very excited to announce that my partner and I are expecting a second child in February and so, after much consideration, I have decided to work closer to home and will not seek re-election in 2018,” she noted in a statement.
“Two years ago, I was blessed with my first child and my little one has faced some scary health challenges,” Campbell said.
“We’ve frequently had to travel to specialist appointments outside of our community, and often outside the province.
“Like all parents would, I have been doing everything I can to give my child the best chance possible to live a healthy, happy, and full life,” she added.
Campbell said that while fighting for her daughter’s health and future, she’s also been privileged to continue working as Kenora Rainy-River’s MPP, fighting for families in the region.
“I’ve had a busy year, battling to reduce hydro rates and improving access to health care,” she noted.
“I’ve been fighting for an expansion in the Northern Health Travel Grant, and working to improve access to seniors housing in our communities.
“Together, we’ve accomplished a lot to keep the Experimental Lakes Area open and bring health-care services, like dialysis, closer to home,” Campbell added.
She also placed big issues like the mercury contamination of the English-Wabigoon river system, winter highway maintenance, and the twinning of Highway 17 on the radar of the Liberal government.
“Working on these and other issues for the families in our region has been a honour and a joy,” said Campbell.
“Now, with the expansion of my family, I believe I need to work in a position which allows me to return home at the end of the day so that I can give my family the care and attention they need,” she reasoned.
“I want to thank my family, my staff, and all the wonderful people in the communities throughout this region for your support and enthusiasm,” Campbell concluded.
“From now until the election in June, I intend to continue working hard to deliver for my constituents,” she pledged.
