James Moore, the Conservative MP for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam, is bowing out of politics.
Today (Friday), Moore told The Tri-City News he would not be seeking a sixth term of office and will be returning home to Port Moody to spend time with his young family.
Moore said he's been struggling with his decision for a while.
"It becomes more and more clear over time that I need to be home," he said. "When you have little kids and they become older and they start to realize you're not there — Spencer has health challenges and you get some good news and you get some bad news — it's not fair for [my wife] Courtney to be going through that all alone while I'm travelling the world."
Elected in 2001 under the Canadian Alliance banner after defeating Liberal incumbent Lou Sekora, Moore rose quickly in the ranks as the youngest MP ever elected in B.C.
In opposition, he served a number of critics roles. After the 2006 federal election, after which the Tories formed a minority government, he was appointed as a parliamentary secretary to two ministers and, two years later, Prime Minister Stephen Harper named him secretary of state for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Official Languages. That made him the youngest cabinet minister ever from B.C. and the fourth youngest in Canadian history.
Moore was also the Canadian heritage minister from 2008 to 2013 and is currently the minister of industry.
In each election, he easily defeated his opponents: In 2011, he took 56% of the vote.
In looking back at his 15 years in office, Moore checked off a number of local accomplishments: securing federal funding for the Evergreen Line; ensuring Belcarra Regional Park is under Parks Canada; building infrastructure in the Tri-Cities, such as East Road in Anmore; delivering fresh portable water to Belcarra; fixing up Rocky Point Park "and helping constituents on a daily basis."
"[Constituency assistant] Eva Staley has been with me since Day 1 and she's done a brilliant job, and I'm very proud of the work we've done to help constituents," he said.
Moore told The Tri-City News he'll continue to be the local MP and industry minister until the Oct. 19 federal election but "after that, we'll see."
"It's been five terms and 15 years. It doesn't mean I may or may not run in the future but Spencer is two and a half and I need to be home and I really want to be home. It's hard to be away from family this long."
Moore said he informed the prime minister three or four weeks ago. "He was entirely supportive and understands the need," he said, noting Harper quit politics in 1996 after his first term to help raise his young family.
Harper also understands the amount of travel B.C. MPs face every week, Moore said.
Asked about the other high-profile cabinet minister exits this year — namely, John Baird and Peter MacKay — Moore stressed they are all leaving for personal reasons.
"Each has their own story. Peter MacKay has six terms and a second child on the way. I travel really far. Of the 36 B.C. MPs, I'm one of the longest serving, I'm the regional minister for B.C. and the industry ministry requires me to travel more. Something's gotta give and it's not going to be my family."
On the topic of his pension, the 39-year-old said the retirement age change wasn't a factor. Under the rules passed in 2013 for MPs, all politicians elected for the first time this October must wait until 65 before they can draw a pension.
Moore, however, will be eligible for his full yearly pension of $128,832 at the age of 55.
"I'm leaving politics, I'm not retiring," he said, laughing. "That's 16 or 17 years from now. I'm not even 40 yet."
Moore said his departure allows enough time for the local riding association to pick its next candidate. He believes some contenders who ran for nomination against Tim Laidler — in NDP MP Fin Donnelly's riding of New Westminster-Coquitlam — may be interested in replacing him.
"Our riding is a strong riding. There are lots of members," Moore said, adding, "I'm going to be campaigning because I want Stephen Harper to stay on as Canada's prime minister and I want a Conservative member of Parliament to succeed me."
Moore was due to face NDP candidate Sara Norman, the Liberals' Ron McKinnon and Brad Nickason of the Green Party of Canada in the race, in the new riding of Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam.
Norman voiced her thanks to Moore for his years of service to the community. Still, she said Moore's absence doesn't change the contest as she's running against the Harper record.
McKinnon added he was surprised to hear of Moore's announcement this morning but understood the difficulty to split time between pubilc service and family. He also recognized Moore's "significant contribution" to the Tri-CIties, and offered his thanks and best wishes.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
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Below, James Moore's statement:
Thank You
June 19, 2015
Balancing family responsibilities while in public life is always a challenge.
This is particularly true when you have a child with special needs.
Recently my wife and I received some difficult news about the health of our beautiful son Spencer. While I have every confidence that Prime Minister Harper and our Conservative Government will be re-elected, and I wish I could be part of the next Conservative Government, after 5 terms and 15 years in public life, and with health challenges in my family, I have concluded it is impossible for me to seek another term in office.
I will finish this term as Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam, then I will be going home to British Columbia to pursue new opportunities and be closer to my young family.
The opportunity to serve as a Member of Parliament is a privilege that I have never taken for granted. I have cherished every moment of this incredible experience to serve my constituents and my country.
I am immensely proud of what our Government has achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper, and there is no doubt that Canada is stronger, more united, and more prosperous than ever because of his leadership.
I want to thank the Prime Minister for his friendship and support when I have needed it most. The opportunity to serve in his cabinet for the past 7 years as Minister of Industry and Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and the 2010 Olympics has been the experience and privilege of a lifetime.
I will always be grateful for the opportunity, and so very proud of our accomplishments.
To my constituents, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to serve as your Member of Parliament through 5 mandates.
I have never forgotten where home is, and that serving my constituents is what matters most. To my staff who have served selflessly and tirelessly over the years, I thank you.
Be proud of the things we have accomplished for Canada and never doubt for a moment that Canada is a better place because of your efforts and contributions.
To my amazing and loving family, thank you for your support, patience and understanding over all these years. I simply could not have survived in public life without your love and I am so lucky for the gift of you in my life.
After 15 rewarding years, I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life.
Hon. James Moore, PC, MP
Minister of Industry
Regional Minister, British Columbia
Port Moody - Westwood - Port Coquitlam
