Dear Friends and Constituents,

At a press conference today, I announced that I would not seek re-election the next time Canadians go to the polls, meaning this is my final term as your representative in Ottawa. It was not an easy decision to make but, as I told the Prime Minister in a recent conversation, after 14 busy years it is time for a fresh new face to step in.

Rest assured that I will continue to serve in full capacity until the next election is called, for you have given me a mandate and I intend to complete it. My offices remain open and fully staffed. There is still plenty of work to be done! Whether the election comes this month, next year, or beyond, it will be my privilege to continue working on your behalf until your next representative is determined. The only reason I’m making this announcement now is to allow the party and the constituency to plan properly for the future.

It is a rare honour and privilege to serve the community where I have lived and raised my family. I have tried to be a servant to those who live and work in Calgary Northeast, and I humbly offer my gratitude for the opportunity you have given me to represent you in our nation’s capital.

Ever since my first election back in 1993, as a member of the Reform Party, I have worked hard to strengthen the criminal justice system and to protect the traditional values that are important to our riding. These priorities have led me to either introduce legislation or support efforts that would protect children from sexual predators, raise the age of sexual consent, outlaw child pornography, tighten border security, provide proper funding and housing for soldiers, and ensure that police, corrections and parole officers have the tools, resources and laws needed to keep Canadian streets safe. It can be a frustrating road, but I am gratified that we are making progress – especially now that Canadians have elected a Conservative government. I am grateful for my colleagues in Parliament who also care about these issues, and I look forward to seeing which of you will join them in Ottawa, carrying the torch for Calgary Northeast.

I became a politician for the same reason I became a police officer: because I am driven to take on issues where people have been victimized unnecessarily due to weak or inadequate policy, or where political judgment has fallen short of preventing others from taking advantage of the less powerful. Accountability was the key word and will continue to be my guiding principle in whatever challenge I take on in the future.

Thank you for your tremendous support over the last 14 years. I am honoured to continue as your representative until the next election.

Sincerely,