Former Manitoba cabinet minister Ralph Eichler won't seek re-election
Former Manitoba cabinet minister Ralph Eichler says he is preparing to leave politics.
Eichler, who is 72, says he will serve out his term until the next provincial election, which is scheduled for Oct. 3 of next year.
He says he wants to spend more time with family, and is making the announcement now so the Progressive Conservatives have time to find a new candidate in the Lakeside constituency northwest of Winnipeg.
Eichler, who served as agriculture and economic development minister before being shuffled out of cabinet this year, is the third high-profile Tory to announce a departure in recent months.
Scott Fielding resigned in June after serving as finance and natural resources minister.
Eileen Clarke, who has served as minister of Indigenous and municipal relations, announced this summer she will not seek re-election.
The departures come as the governing Tories lag behind the Opposition New Democrats in opinion polls.
Eichler said Tuesday he looks forward to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
"I had a bit of a health scare last year and I couldn't be in better shape now," Eichler said.
"I listened to the doctors and I've lost 40-some pounds. I feel fantastic so let's take advantage of it and move on to some things on my bucket list."
Eichler has been in the legislature since 2003. He served as agriculture minister for three years after the Tories won the 2016 election.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 4, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.