'It's been an honour': Wayne Easter announces he won't reoffer in next federal election

P.E.I. member of Parliament for Malpeque Wayne Easter announced Monday he will not be reoffering for federal politics, ending a 28-year run that began in 1993.

Born in 1949, Easter will be 72 years old next week.

Easter told CBC News he'd been thinking about it for a long time. "There's other things to do in life, it's been nine terms, 28 years, and it's time for others to take over the reins," he said.

"When I first started in politics, there was no internet, and that's a long, long time. I feel it's the right thing for me to do."

To his constituents, Easter said: "It's been an honour to serve them. It's as simple as that. It's been an honour."

For more on this story, catch an interview with Wayne Easter Tuesday morning on Island Morning, 96.1FM

Broke news in House of Commons

Easter broke the news in the House of Commons on Monday. He said at that time: "I am announcing that I will not be reoffering as the candidate in the riding of Malpeque in the next federal election. I will be joining withothers not running tomorrow evening for speeches and to give heartfelt thank yous."

The next federal election is scheduled for October 2023, but Easter pointed out there arerumours there may be one beforethen, and he wanted to give others ample time to consider representing the Liberals in Malpeque one of four federal ridings on P.E.I.

"It is close to 28 years since I was first elected to this chamber, and when I'm there in person I'm always in awe of its traditions, its historyand the opportunity it provides for members to have a say in the legislative mandate and governance ofthis country," Easter said.

"It's been my honour to work with and serve the residents of Malpeque for nine terms."

Premier King, Lawrence MacAulay respond

P.E.I. Premier Dennis King issued a statement early Monday evening.

"On behalf of the Government of Prince Edward Island, I want to thank Wayne Easter for his 28 years of public service as the Member of Parliament for Malpeque," he said.

"Wayne has been a friend and ally to our government since 2019 always willing to work collaboratively for the best interest of all Islanders. Iwould like to wish Wayne, Helen, Kimberley, and Jamie and their grandchildren all the best in Wayne's retirement from public life."

Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay, a longtime colleague of Easter, Tweeted Monday: "Been a pleasure serving with you, my friend," he said. "Wishing you the very best!"

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