Liberal cabinet minister Sajjan not seeking re-election, rallies against ‘toxic and polarized’ climate

Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan has announced that he will not be seeking re-election, joining a growing list of Liberal MPs who are stepping away from politics. In a statement shared on social media, Sajjan expressed his gratitude to the community of Vancouver South, where he served as a Member of Parliament, for teaching him the importance of service and integrity.

While Sajjan expressed confidence in the future, he also highlighted the need for a return to civility and respect in public discourse. He lamented the toxic and polarized political landscape that has emerged in recent years, calling for a more respectful and constructive approach to public debate.

Sajjan, a former army veteran, has been a member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet since 2015, initially serving as Minister of Defence. During his tenure, he faced criticism for his handling of the military sexual misconduct crisis and was censured by the House of Commons in 2021.

Following the 2021 election, Sajjan was appointed to the international development portfolio before being shuffled into the role of emergency preparedness minister. He is one of several former cabinet members who have announced their decision not to seek re-election, including Seamus O’Regan, Pablo Rodriguez, Marie-Claude Bibeau, Carla Qualtrough, Filomena Tassi, and Dan Vandal.

In his statement, Sajjan thanked Trudeau for his leadership and commitment to Canada. He also endorsed former central banker Mark Carney as a candidate for political leadership, praising Carney’s experience and leadership during the global financial crisis of 2008.

Overall, Sajjan’s decision to step away from politics reflects a growing trend among Liberal MPs who are choosing to pursue other opportunities or retire from public office. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the focus on unity, respect, and service remains at the forefront of public discourse.