After a parliamentary career spanning 11 years and five elections, Perth-Wellington MP Gary Schellenberger announced last week he will not seek re-election in the federal election slated for April 2015.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce I will not seek re-election in 2015,” said Shellenberger in a Sept. 25 statement.
“I would like to thank the people of Perth -Middlesex for first electing me in the 2003 by-election and the people of Perth-Wellington for re-electing me in four general elections. It has been the greatest honour and privilege to serve and represent you.”
Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong told the Advertiser Schellenberger’s 2003 by-election win was historic.
“It was the catalyst for the unification of Canada’s two conservative parties, which resulted in Conservatives winning the 2006 election and forming government,” said Chong. “He’s been a big part of the team ever since.”
In his official retirement statement, Schellenberger thanked his wife Judy as well as his family, staff and the local riding association for their support, as well as the prime minister and his “many colleagues in the House of Commons.”
Schellenberger stated he will be retiring to spend more time with his family but will remain an active community member in Perth-Wellington and Huron County, where the Schellenbergers have a family cottage.
“The big factor is that … on the 15th of September, I turned 71 years old,” Schellen-berger told the Advertiser in a Sept. 29 telephone interview.
“It was a very tough decision to make but this business can be quite time consuming and does take a bit of a toll.”
Schellenberger said it was time to think of his family, noting his wife has continued to be very supportive of his political career.
“Right now it’s probably time for me to pass the torch to someone younger,” he said.
“I’m very proud to have been a member of this government through the very tough economic period that we’ve gone through.”
Schellenberger said he will miss “being part of the team,” as well as attending the many functions hosted by organizations throughout his riding.
“I wont’ miss some of the trips back and forth here,” the MP said of the six-hour car trips between Ottawa and his home in Sebringville.
He says he won’t just be sitting around in retirement.
“I haven’t ordered a new rocking chair … I might get a new set of golf clubs. My wife and I do enjoy going golfing and I’m going to enjoy some of the birthday parties now for my grandchildren that I haven’t over the years.”
Prior to being elected to parliament, Schellenberger served 12 years on the municipal council for Downie Township.
In Ottawa, he currently serves on the standing committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
“We’re going to miss him, and I wish him all the best,” Chong said of Schellenberger.
