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Stanton discusses reasons for not seeking re-election

Opportunity to travel beyond the highway linking Simcoe North and Ottawa a factor in MP's decision
stanton congratulated
Bruce Stanton is congratulated after winning re-election in last year's federal election. Andrew Philips/MidlandToday

For Bruce Stanton, the timing just felt right.

The Simcoe North, Conservative MP said that announcing he would not seek re-election for a sixth term needed to be done sooner rather than later because of the uncertainty around federal minority governments like the one currently in place in Ottawa.

Stanton said that while he put his full heart into last year’s election campaign that saw him defeat Liberal runner-up Gerry Hawes, he’d been considering the move to step down for some time, given the minority government situation.

“That actually did factor into (my wife) Heather's and my look at this because with a minority situation, you never know when the election will come," he said. "It could be in three months, it could be in three years.

"But the point is that if you don't kind of think ahead about what you're going to do next, the election comes and you decide you're not going to run, it really doesn't give the party any time to get ready. If you do decide to run, you need to be ready to make a four-year commitment.”

Stanton said he’s proud of the way he has represented the riding and always tried his best to serve its residents.

“Looking back on it, the best thing I think is entrenching an atmosphere and culture of service. That's always been important,” he said, noting he and his constituency office staff respond to thousands of inquiries and requests for help every year.

“It’s always been important to me to extend the right kind of courtesies and attention to the constituents that contact us either by email or by phone. We respond in a way that shows them that we care and we will look into things. We will get them the information that will hopefully help them make those next steps or whatever the case may be. Service to me has been the critical piece.”

Stanton said he’s also proud of his work relating to various large-scale projects in the riding, including Trent-Severn Waterway upgrades, the expansion of Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, the establishment of Lakehead University’s Orillia campus and the new ferry and wharf for Beausoleil First Nation.

“Those are some things that I can’t say I’m uniquely responsible for, but like to think that I had a hand in helping happen,” he said. “And these are some things that, yes you get some political points for, but what's most important is what these investments do for the people who actually benefit from them. And that's really the most gratifying part of it.”

Midland Mayor Stewart Strathearn said Stanton’s commitment to the riding has been admirable and unwavering since he was first elected in 2006.

“I’ve certainly enjoyed Bruce. He’s a real gentleman. He’s been helpful in terms of giving advice in terms of where to turn when dealing with someone in the federal system. I’ll miss him.”

But Strathearn said that while he isn't a confidante of Stanton's, he’s not overly surprised by the decision.

“I think Bruce has been very, very involved in the riding,” he said. ““It takes a toll on your family life and it’s got to be draining.”

The announcement’s timing also gives potential candidates the chance to determine whether they want to stand for the nomination, according to Stanton.

“You can’t just kind of drop your life and then run for politics,” he said, adding that would have occurred to potential candidates had he waited until the writ was dropped to announce his decision.

“You’ve got to try and organize parts of your life to get ready to do that. And if you leave enough time, a slightly larger pool of candidates might be able to come forward.”

Age also played a factor, according to Stanton, who noted that if the next election occurred in 2021, he would be 64 years old while committing to another four-year term if he won.

“That could take me well into my late 60s and there are some things that Heather and I want to do,” he said, noting they would like to travel more and not just between the riding and Ottawa.

“Heather and I have not had an abundance of time on our own to do and see some things. I know that international travel is essentially shut down right now, but we imagine taking some time just to experience our own country on our own and have some time together as a couple.”

As well, Stanton said he’s been busy working since he was a teenager.

“Many times, it’s been a seven-day scenario and not an awful lot of time for the leisure things that you still want to incorporate into your lifetime," he said.

"But I have no regrets. I love the work that I've done."


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Andrew Philips

About the Author: Andrew Philips

Editor Andrew Philips is a multiple award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in some of the country’s most respected news outlets. Originally from Midland, Philips returned to the area from Québec City a decade ago.
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