Indigenousreconciliation minister Alan Lagimodiere won't seek re-election in 2023

Another member of the governing Progressive Conservatives is not seeking re-electionin 2023.

Alan Lagimodiere,Manitoba'sIndigenous reconciliation and Northern relations minister, saidhe won't let his name stand in the general election slated for the fall, citing"personal family reasons."

"This was not an easy decision, but I must put my family first. I am proud to see the talented candidates that our PC Party is attracting, with fresh ideas and new faces," the Selkirk MLA wrote Tuesday on Twitter.

Lagimodiere added he would work alongside the party's next candidate in Selkirk to ensure the PCs hold on to the seat.

Lagimodiere also commended ManitobaPremier Heather Stefanson as the "best leader to lead our party and this province in another victory."

A longtime veterinarian andSelkirk resident,Lagimodierewas first elected in 2016, when he defeated the NDP finance ministerGregDewar. Lagimodiere took a seat in the Manitoba Legislatureas part of the former premier Brian Pallister's first Progressive Conservativemajority government.

Lagimodiere was re-elected handily in 2019.

Lagimodiereis Mtis buthad a rocky debut as Indigenous reconciliation minister in 2021, when hesuggested residential schools were founded with good intentions.

He was quickly taken to task, but apolitical scientist said the MLAworked to makeamends.

"After that, he kindof showed himself in a good light. He apologized, hephoned up people in the community," said Christopher Adams,an adjunct professor of political studies at the University of Manitoba.

Lagimodiere later saidhe believes the schools that Indigenous children were forced to attendwere part of a genocide.

The two-termMLA's withdrawalfrom provincial politics could spell trouble for the Tories' chances at retainingSelkirk, a swing riding north of Winnipeg. The NDP has nominated teacher Mitch Obach to challenge for the seat.

More than a fifth of the PC caucus members that entered 2022 eight of 36 MLAs havebowed out of the next provincial election.

Former Kirkfield Park MLA Scott Fielding resigned lastMarch, while Eileen Clarke (Agassiz), Cliff Cullen (Spruce Woods), Ralph Eichler (Lakeside), Blaine Pedersen (Midland), Dennis Smook(La Verendrye) and Ian Wishart (Portage la Prairie) have stated they will not seek another term in the Manitoba legislature.

The general election is scheduledfor October2023.