William Amos announced he will not be a candidate for the next federal election
William Amos announced he will not be a candidate for the next federal election
Pontiac MP William Amos has announced that he will not be a candidate for the next federal election. William Amos, who was first elected in 2015, posted via his Twitter and Facebook accounts this evening (August 8) that he will not be a candidate for the next federal election in the Pontiac.
The decision on whether or not he would be a candidate had been expected for a few weeks, especially after the second incident when he was seen urinating into a coffee cup during a virtual meeting of the House of Commons. William Amos had declared during a press conference, the announcement of his return to active politics, that he was considering all the possibilities, including that of being a candidate again. Regardless, William Amos mentioned that he is not closing the door on politics in the future.
“Having said that, and after much reflection with my family, and although I will not close the door on politics in the future, I have concluded that now is not the time to launch into another electoral campaign and I wish to explore other avenues that allow a better balance between personal and professional life. It was a very difficult decision to make because I love to represent and serve the voters of Pontiac in the House of Commons ”, – William Amos
The election on the federal scene seems to be eminent, already, the conservatives announced that Michel Gauthier, former editor in chief of the newspaper Le Droit, would be their candidate and the Green Party of Canada formalized the nomination of Shaughn McArthur. According to our sources, the NDP, the Bloc Québécois and the People’s Party of Canada are analyzing certain candidates. No successor within the PLC has yet been announced.
STATEMENT BY MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT WILL AMOS
“Chelsea, August 8, 2021
Politics is a beautiful and tough profession. But it is not the only means by which progressive, transformative change can be achieved to move our society forward. Earlier today, I advised the Prime Minister that I had decided not to seek re-election as MP for Pontiac.
Upon reflection with my family, I am not closing the door to politics and elected public service in the future. But I have concluded that the time is not right for me to launch into another election campaign and I want to explore other avenues that enable a better work/life balance.
This was a very challenging decision because I so enjoy the work of representing Pontiac constituents in the House of Commons. I love serving the public as MP for Pontiac and I remain passionate about our region and Canada. I have been criss-crossing Pontiac this summer, and the ongoing support for my work across the riding makes it even more difficult to forego another run.
As MP, it is truly a privilege to serve the Canadian public, and to use this platform to speak out on crucial national issues like climate change, science and social justice. It has also been an honour to serve as Parliamentary Secretary for Science throughout this pandemic, building strong relationships with researchers, colleges and universities. I thank the Prime Minister for having afforded me this opportunity.
The past 6 years have been an intense and rewarding professional experience. Natural disasters like the floods in 2017 and 2019, the 2018 tornado, and the COVID-19 pandemic, taught me lessons in crisis management and the empathy required to "stand in another's shoes" as an elected leader.
I am proud of my Parliamentary legacy, including my advocacy behind the scenes to push our government towards even more progressive reforms on key issues, like the right to a healthy environment and more stringent regulation of toxic substances. From advocacy for climate action, rural internet investments and indigenous reconciliation, my voice as MP for Pontiac has been heard loud and clear.
I will keep building on my 20 years of experience in the field of environmental law, policy and politics at the highest levels. Having litigated before the Supreme Court of Canada, having delivered statements for Canada at the United Nations, and having served constituents in Parliament, I will continue on a path of public service.
I want to thank my Parliamentary colleagues across all parties, but particularly my colleagues in the Liberal Party of Canada, whom I wish well in the next election. But most of all, I want to thank Pontiac constituents for their understanding, support and goodwill as I move into this next phase of my career. I look forward to our future collaboration.” – William Amos
