The Conservative MP for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission is calling it quits.
Randy Kamp, first elected in 2004, is not seeking a fifth term, he announced Saturday at the Conservative constituency’s annual meeting.
“I informed the Prime Minster this week that, after considerable soul-searching, I’m not going to seek re-election for a fifth term,” Kamp said on his website.
“In recent months, I’ve had a growing sense that it was time to move on to another chapter of my life. I first entered the arena of federal politics 18 years ago when I became the executive assistant to my predecessor, Grant McNally.
“I didn’t think of it as a career change then, but as an interesting opportunity to serve my community for a time – which became extended when I was elected in 2004.”
His last election win was in 2011, defeating NDP candidate Craig Speirs by almost 10,000 votes. This year’s federal election is scheduled for Oct. 19.
“Time flies when you’re having fun, but this chapter has become quite a long one, and I think it’s time to turn the page.”
Kamp mentioned his hearing loss which has become worse in recent years. He says he can still cope with it although it makes the job more difficult, adding it wasn’t the main reason for not running again.
He’s not sure what he’ll do after the next election and he’s out of politics.
“I can tell you that the commitment I made many years ago to serve God and others has not changed, and I expect there will be interesting opportunities ahead to serve where I can use my life experience, while allowing me to meet my most important priorities: to support my aging father, and to be a good husband, father, and grandfather.
“When I was first elected I had only one grandchild, who was an infant, now I have 12, so I’ll have some grandfathering to catch up on.”
He said it was a tough decision. “I’m keenly aware that representing one’s community in the Parliament of Canada is a privilege that few Canadians will get to experience and one that I’ve enjoyed.”
