After nearly two decades of public service, there will be a new Member of Parliament representing the eastern part of central Alberta.
The Honourable Kevin Sorenson announced over the weekend that he will not be running in the next federal election due to be held this coming October.
“Six elections, 19 great years and various positions with the official opposition and the government. Being a Member of Parliament has been the honour of my working life. All of it is thanks to the tremendous support of the amazing constituents of Battle River-Crowfoot, the many many volunteers on all of my campaigns and the tireless dedication and sage advice of you, my board of directors and executive,” Sorenson explained in a statement issued Mar. 30.
“But, it is time to go. It is time to spend more time with my family who have so selflessly and wholeheartedly stood by my side throughout this long and demanding journey.”
Reflecting on his nearly two decades in public office, Sorenson stressed the importance of his Christian faith.
“Politicians are pulled in all different directions, but my faith, and the hope that it offers, has been at the heart of staying principled, serving with respect and working hard every day,” he said.
Sorenson also reflected on his first speech in the House of Commons, made on Feb. 1, 2001, saying the sentiments expressed on that surreal day so long ago, still hold true today.
That initial speech thanked his family, his campaign volunteers and the collective effort it took to get him elected.
“And, finally Mr. Speaker, to all the people of Crowfoot - thank you for bestowing your faith in me. I promise to respectfully and truthfully represent your views and concerns here in Ottawa. And, I pledge to work hard with the same diligence as the majority of you demonstrate daily in your careers and occupations in our predominately rural riding,” Sorenson said in that first speech.
With him leaving politics when the election is called, he wanted to make sure all of his staff — in Ottawa and Camrose — along with former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife were properly thanked for their support.
“Without (my staff) I could not have provided the first-class assistance my constituents deserve and thanks to (Stephen Harper) for the faith he had in me to be Minister of State for Finance. A position I served with honour and to the best of my ability,” he said.
“And words are just not enough to express the deep appreciation and love I have for my wife and family. Darlene, my partner, my sounding board, and the one who has supported and loved me through this journey, I couldn’t have done it without her.”
Sorenson was elected back in 2000 and while part of the government served as minister of state for finance, chair of the public accounts committee along with two other committees. As part of the opposition, he’s been the critic for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, for the Solicitor General and deputy critic for Justice while also being on the national security sub-committee and the justice and human rights committee.
While he’s departing, Sorenson still believes in the Conservative Party.
“The winds of change are blowing in Canada and that Andrew Scheer will be our nation’s next Prime Minister,” he said, adding he will do all he can to ensure Scheer will form the next government.