The member of parliament for Saint John — Rothesay says he won’t run in the next federal election.
Wayne Long announced via social media on Tuesday morning that after serving eight years as an MP, it was “time to pass the torch.”
“True leadership means … knowing when it’s time to step back,” he said.
“Change is good; it’s healthy and necessary. I embrace it.”
Long said he plans to finish the second half of his four year term, but wanted to give space and time for those wishing to prepare a campaign.
Long, 59, was first elected to represent Saint John—Rothesay in 2015, defeating Conservative Party incumbent Rodney Weston at the polls with 20,634 votes compared to Weston’s 12,915.
Before joining politics, he worked as an executive in the seafood industry and later became president of the Saint John Sea Dogs hockey team.
While the Trudeau government could remain in power until September 2025, Long said its “minority situation” means an election could come sooner than expected.
For now, however, Long said he and his team remain focused on representing his riding’s interests and its needs in Ottawa.
“I’ve been truly blessed and privileged to hold such a great responsibility for my community,” he said.
“I’m thankful for the trust you’ve placed in me, the unprecedented results we’ve delivered, and that after years of limited growth, our community has a bright future.”