The MP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington is retiring from politics.
Dave Van Kesteren says he won't seek re-election in the 2019 fall election because he wants to spend more time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He says it's time to move on in 2019 after spending 14 years as an MP and feels good about the decision he made over the Christmas holidays.
Van Kesteren says he's looking forward to a new chapter but doesn't know what it is yet.
"I'm sure once the word gets out there will be lots of people, specially in the volunteer field, that will be knocking on my door asking if I can contribute. So, we'll play that by ear," says Van Kesteren.
He says it's been an honour to serve the community over the last 12 years and he'll stay committed until 2019.
"Politics begins at home and it's the opportunity and the chance to rub shoulders with, to serve and to help people with the issues that they have and just participate in the great community events," Van Kesteren says.
Van Kesteren says he's not endorsing anybody and wants his replacement to have enough time to prepare for a good race.
"It's the choice of the Conservative Party here in Chatham-Kent-Leamington to make that decision. I'll certainly help them and give them advice. We want to see a good run," says Van Kesteren.
He says he brought over a third of a billion dollars of federal funding to the riding for important projects such as the Leamington Waste Water Treatment Plant, upgraded facilities at the university in Ridgetown and at St. Clair college in Chatham, the CK Women’s Shelter and the Mary Webb Centre in Highgate.
