Marco Mendicino, Liberal Party of Canada MP who represents the Toronto riding of Eglinton—Lawrence, announced Thursday afternoon that he would not run in the next federal election.
He made the announcement Thursday afternoon in a message on the social network X.
Although I love this job very much, it is the right decision, at the right time, for me and my family.
y lit.
Mr. Mendicino was first elected in 2015, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led the Liberals to a majority government, and became Minister of Immigration in 2019 before moving to Public Safety in 2021. He then lost his post as minister in 2023.
In his letter, he thanks his constituents, but also points out that he has differences with his party.
“Disagreements”
It has been the honor of my life to serve as the Member of Parliament for this incredible Toronto riding for three consecutive terms, as well as a Minister in two portfolios in the Federal Cabinet.
states Mr. Mendicino in his letter.
I will be forever grateful for the unwavering support of my constituents in every election, which we won by decisive margins.
he continues.
In his statement, Mr. Mendicino openly expresses his differences with his party: It is no secret that I disagree with the current leadership of the federal government regarding our foreign policy vis-à-vis our deteriorating relationship with the State of Israel, our inadequate handling of the humanitarian crisis at Gaza and our weakened role in the Middle East. East
.
In political parties there must be room for different points of view
he adds.
As a matter of principle, I have always spoken out against the unfair targeting of the Jewish community, which is facing a wave of anti-Semitism. In the fight against hatred, I will always be present.
A demonstration
Last March, the MP was very critical of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who forced the cancellation of an official reception where Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was to be received in Toronto.
Disgusting anti-Semitic protesters surrounded, threatened and assaulted members of the Italian-Canadian community at an official event
he denounced on the X network. He accuses the demonstrators of having spat on elderly people and of having described them as genocidal baby murderers
.
Toronto MP Marco Mendicino (center) was in attendance at the canceled event. (Archive photo)
Photo: The Canadian Press / Cole Burston
These thugs think they have won, but all they have done is lose public support and embarrass themselves. It’s time for this madness to stop
added the member for Toronto.
The controversial transfer of Paul Bernardo
His management of the transfer of murderer Paul Bernardo earned him strong criticism in the summer of 2023. The Correctional Service of Canada had informed his office in March that a transfer was planned, but the minister claimed not to have been informed of it. that the day after the transfer.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre then asked for his resignation. Minister Mendicino said he was shocked – totally shocked. We now know that he found out three months earlier and did absolutely nothing.
said Mr. Poilievre.
He lies and lies again. These are too many lies. That’s one lie too many. It’s time for Marco Mendicino to resign
added the Conservative leader.
Mr Mendicino lost his post as minister a few weeks later in a cabinet reshuffle.
The future in Toronto?
In his letter, Mr. Mendicino mentions a possible future commitment: As I contemplated my decision to leave federal politics, many community leaders and residents approached me. I am overwhelmed by their support. They believe that I can and should continue to play an active leadership role in our city.
.
I remain passionate about the law and developing good public policy, particularly as it relates to national security and borders, and how they will drive Canada’s 21st century economy.
he continues.
In conclusion of his letter, he thanks his colleagues and his family. He also affirms his intention to remain a Liberal MP until the next elections.
Mr. Mendicino is not the only member of the Liberal Party of Canada who does not intend to run in the next election. Sean Fraser, Marie-Claude Bibeau, Carla Qualtrough, Filomena Tassi, Dan Vandal, Pablo Rodriguez and Seamus O’Regan, among others, made the same decision.