Northern MP Gary Vidal will not run in the next federal election.
The five-year MP for the lone northern riding of Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River stated several reasons for not running in the potential October 2025 election.
He said the electoral boundaries of his riding have changed dramatically, leading to a new riding to be formed-Battlefords-Lloydminster-Meadow.
He stated in a release to the media that he will reside in the newest riding. “Though it is not a legal requirement that a Member of Parliament live in the riding they serve, for me it is personal requirement and one that I believe in very strongly,” said the statement.
Second Vidal said the Conservatives are not conducting an open nomination for the newest riding.
“The Conservative Party of Canada has decided that there will not be an open nomination to determine who will be on the ballot for the party in the new riding that I will reside in called Battlefords-Lloydminster-Meadow Lake,” Vidal said. “Although this is not the expected outcome I anticipated, circumstances beyond the control of myself and my team have dictated that I move on after the next election.”
Vidal concluded that it was an honour to serve as MP in the north and that he will cherish the relationships formed and the work he has accomplished.