Conservative MP Karen Vecchio not seeking re-election, will finish out term

Ontario Conservative MP Karen Vecchio speaks during a press conference in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. Vecchio announced on a local radio show today that she will not be seeking reelection. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby)

OTTAWA -

Longtime Conservative MP Karen Vecchio announced Tuesday she will not be seeking another term in the next federal election.

Vecchio revealed her decision during an interview on 94.1 myFM, a local radio station in St. Thomas, Ont. in her riding.

"I have my decision, and that is to not run in the next election. Unfortunately my name will not be on the ballot," she told the station.

"Next year when the federal election occurs I will have been at 10 years, and for me I believe everybody has an expiry date and I know when it's time for me to be at home."

Vecchio didn't respond to a request for comment.

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The MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London was first elected in 2015, and was a longtime chair of the House of Commons status of women committee, a role that ended in April.

The Conservative party confirmed the news Tuesday.

Vecchio was among the handful of MPs who backed former Quebec premier Jean Charest in the 2022 Conservative leadership contest, which Poilievre won in a whopping first-ballot victory with the majority of caucus at his back.

"Karen has proudly served her community since 2015 and has been a dedicated member of the Conservative Caucus. We wish her all the best following the next election, as she continues to serve her constituents until then," Conservative spokeswoman Sarah Fischer said in a statement.

Liberal MPs sang her praises on Tuesday, lauding Vecchio's willingness to collaborate across party lines.

"One of the kindest, most thoughtful people I've ever had the chance to work with. The House of Commons will be less without her," Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos, who serves the riding for London North Centre, said in a social media post on Tuesday.

"Karen, I'm proud to call you a friend and wish you nothing but the best in the future."

Several Liberal and NDP MPs lamented Vecchio's abrupt departure as chair of the status of women committee last Spring.

She first landed in the role in 2017, after the Liberal MPs on the committee rejected former leader Andrew Scheer's pick, Alberta MP Rachael Thomas, because of her record on abortion rights.

Since then, she earned a glowing reputation among others on the committee as a staunch and invested advocate for women.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2024.