General

Veteran B.C. New Democrat MP Jean Crowder says won’t be running again

By Maclean's

OTTAWA – New Democrat MP Jean Crowder says she won’t run in the next election, expected in the fall of 2015.

The 61-year-old member for the British Columbia riding of Nanaimo-Cowichan says she wants to spend more time with her family.

Crowder was first elected in 2004 and was re-elected in 2006, 2008 and 2011.

She is her party’s aboriginal affairs critic.

Before becoming an MP, Crowder worked at the former Malaspina University College, Human Resources Development Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Skills, Training and Labour.

She is a former municipal councillor for North Cowichan.

Crowder says her decision not to run was difficult, because much remains to be done in Ottawa.

“I am not running again in order to spend more time with my family and the community that I love,” she said.

She says she will work to ensure she is succeeded by a New Democrat in the next election.