Merasty And FSIN Speak About Resignation
Friday, July 13, 2007 at 15:12
The Member of Parliament for Northern Saskatchewan is speaking out about his decision to step down from federal politics.
Gary Merasty says that while he liked being an MP for the north, the time away from his family was proving to be difficult. He says it was for this reason alone that he recently decided to leave his life in Ottawa.
He also says he has enjoyed strong relations with Federal Liberal leader Stephan Dion and denies he got a rough ride from Dion, due to the fact he supported Michael Ignatieff in the leadership race.
Merasty says he is proud of his time in office and particularly of his private members’ bill he and former Prime Minister Paul Martin worked on, which compelled government MPs to apologize to survivors of residential schools.
Still, he says it would have been nice to have been in government.
Merasty says he plans on pursuing a life in the private sector and asks for the public’s understanding.
Merasty’s last day on the job is August 31st.
Meanwhile, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Lawrence Joseph says Gary Merasty’s departure has left big shoes to fill in northern politics.
Lawrence Joseph says he was surprised to hear the northern MP had decided to leave politics, but he respects the decision.
Merasty said through a news release that the decision is due to family concerns and he plans to pursue a life in the private sector.
Joseph encourages other would-be politicians in the north to step forward.
Joseph adds he had just talked to Merasty a couple of days ago at the National Assembly and he hadn’t said anything about leaving.