Northwest Territories Liberal MP Michael McLeod said on Wednesday he will step away from federal politics at the next election.
McLeod has been the territory’s MP since 2015.
“There’s been no greater honour in my life,” he said as he addressed the Tłı̨chǫ Annual Gathering in Wekweètì.
“After a lot of consideration, a lot of discussions with my family, I have decided I will not be seeking another term.”
McLeod is a former territorial minister who defeated the territory’s NDP incumbent, Dennis Bevington, as part of a Liberal landslide as Justin Trudeau came to power.
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He easily won re-election in 2019 but was pushed more closely by the New Democrats’ Kelvin Kotchilea in 2021. Kotchilea will run again for the NDP at the next election, which must be called on or before October 20, 2025.
“From day one, I’ve been focusing on advocating for the priorities of northerners, increasing federal investments right across the Northwest Territories, improving the social supports, strengthening our Indigenous communities and certainly advancing reconciliation, and protecting our environment through climate action,” said McLeod.
However, he continued, “I need to cut down on my travel. I need to spend more time in the North, spend more time at home and focus on my grandchildren, who have now become the centre of my universe.”
He received a standing ovation in Wekweètì as he concluded his remarks, which were posted to his Facebook page after this article was first published.
Who will succeed McLeod as the NWT’s Liberal candidate is not immediately clear. The Conservatives are in the process of selecting a candidate of their own.
