Pallister bowing out

Conservative MP Brian Pallister is stepping down from politics. The Manitoba politician has announced on his website that he won't be running in the next election.

BRIANPALLISTER.COM

Manitoba MP and one-time Conservative leadership candidate Brian Pallister announces he won't run again on his website.

Pallister (Portage-Lisgar) currently serves as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Minister of International Cooperation. He served in the Manitoba Legislature and the provincial cabinet before being elected to the House of Commons in 2000. He ran to lead the Progressive Conservatives in 1998.

But it seems the long political career is drawing to a close.

"I will not be contesting the next federal election whenever that occurs," Pallister wrote on his web site today.

In his message, he thanks supporters for their backing and says he's fought to strengthen Canada.

"Together we have had many successes. There is now a stronger fiscal framework in our province and our country. Budgets are being balanced, infrastructure is being rebuilt, the justice system is being strengthened, and support for Agriculture is a higher priority. We deserve some credit for this," he writes.

"More needs to be done and the conservative party is the right one to do it," he says.

See his full announcement here.