Conservative MP Candice Bergen resigns after 14 years in Parliament

On Wednesday, Conservative Member of Parliament Candice Bergen announced her resignation after serving the Manitoba riding of Portage-Lisgar for fourteen years.

During her time in politics, Bergen held numerous positions including Minister of State for Social Development, Critic for the Natural Resources Portfolio, and, perhaps most notably, Conservative Party leader.

"Today I submitted my letter of resignation as the member of parliament for Portage-Lisgar," Bergen began, "ending an incredible and very fulfilling fourteen years serving my party, my caucus, and my country."

Bergen explained that while she was "not really one for long goodbyes," and thus would not be making a big deal by going back to the House of Commons, she did want to say a few words to the people who influenced her political journey.

"First of all thank you from the bottom of my heart to my constituents," Bergen said, "who've allowed me to be their voice in the House of Commons and in Ottawa for all of these years."

Bergen went on to thank her family, as well as her dedicated team of volunteers and staff. "You've made my life richer by the way that you have served me, by the way that you have taught me," she said, "and I'm just so grateful that you've walked alongside me." Bergen also made a point of thanking her fellow members of parliament "on both sides of the aisle."

"I'm choosing to leave now," she continued, "not because I'm tired or I've run out of steam– in fact, it's the exact opposite. I feel hopeful and re-energized; hopeful for our strong and united Conservative Party, and our caucus under the courageous and principled leadership of Pierre Poilievre."

"With God's grace and God's help, I believe that the best is yet to come," Bergen concluded, though she did not specify what she planned to do next.