Veteran MP for London-Fanshawe Irene Mathyssen says she won't run for re-election.
The four-term New Democrat announced Monday morning that she is retiring from federal politics.
"After almost 18 years serving the community of London-Fanshawe, I have made the decision not to seek a fifth term as member of parliament,” Mathyssen said in a statement released to the media. “It has been my distinct honour and pride to serve this community – as a mother, as a teacher, as a community member, as member of provincial parliament, and as your Federal Member of Parliament. I am grateful to the people of London who have placed their trust in me and given me the opportunity to champion so many progressive causes over the years.
Mathyssen was first elected to Parliament in 2006 after having run unsuccessfully in London-Fanshawe in 1997, losing to then-Liberal MP Pat O'Brien. She had previously served in the Ontario Legislature as the MPP for the riding of Middlesex. She was defeated in 1995 when the NDP was swept out of office by the Mike Harris PCs. She ran for the Legislature again in 1999, finishing third in London-Fanshawe. She was defeated again in 2003 by Liberal Khalil Ramal.
In her statement issued Monday, Mathyssen thanked her husband, Keith and her daughter Lindsay for their "unflagging support and encouragement over the years."
Matthyssen said she will finish out her term in office.
"Our work as progressives is not yet done. I plan to remain active and involved in a civilian capacity to create the stronger, more inclusive and fair society we know is possible," she said. "I have every confidence in NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and my local NDP community to carry that vision forward, and I look forward to the opportunities the future holds."
