Edmonton Centre MP Randy Boissonnault announces he won’t run in upcoming election

Former cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault has announced that he will not be running in the upcoming federal election. The Liberal party had initially confirmed Boissonnault as a candidate in Edmonton Centre, a riding that he had previously won in 2015, lost in 2019, and then reclaimed in 2021.

In a statement posted on X Friday, Boissonnault cited the past year as being incredibly difficult for him and his family. This decision comes after Boissonnault resigned from cabinet in November amidst controversy surrounding his business dealings and skepticism regarding his claims of Indigenous identity.

With Boissonnault stepping down, speculation is now swirling around where Prime Minister Mark Carney will choose to run. Carney, who grew up in Edmonton and recently skated with the Oilers hockey team, is keeping his choice under wraps. When pressed by reporters leaving a first ministers meeting in Ottawa on Friday, Carney declined to reveal which riding he plans to seek election in.

Among the ridings Carney is believed to be considering are Toronto Centre, which is being vacated by former cabinet minister Marci Ien, and Nepean in Ottawa, which was opened up by the Liberals’ decision to remove MP Chandra Arya from the ballot on Thursday.

The uncertainty surrounding Carney’s decision has sparked interest and speculation among Canadians. With ties to various regions including the North, Alberta, and the Ottawa area, Carney’s choice of riding will undoubtedly have an impact on the upcoming election.

As the election draws nearer, all eyes are on Carney as Canadians eagerly await his decision on where he will run. The upcoming federal election is sure to be an exciting and closely watched event, with the choices made by candidates like Carney shaping the future of Canadian politics.