Belliveau says he made the decision earlier this week, on the 10-year anniversary of his election as the NDP representative for the region.
“At different points of my life I have taken stock of what it is I have accomplished and what it is I would like to do next. I think reaching the 10-year mark as an MLA is a fitting point for reflection,” he said.
In the 1980s, Belliveau enjoyed 3 terms as the elected chairperson of the District 34 Lobster Advisory Board. He then moved on to municipal politics, where he was elected warden of the Municipality of the District of Barrington four times, serving until 2006, when he ran successfully for the NDP in Shelburne. He was the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as the Minister of Environment, in the NDP government from 2009 to 2013.
Belliveau says he remains committed to his role during this term, but he has decided that when the next election is called, it will be time for a new NDP candidate to put their name forward in Queens-Shelburne.
“Life is about chapters and chapters make you whole. My time as chairperson of the District 34 lobster advisory board and municipal warden each lasted about 10 years. When the Premier calls the next election, it will be time for me to ‘leave the dance,’” he said.
Until that time, Belliveau says he wants the people of Queens-Shelburne to know that his commitment to the riding remains steadfast. “I am aware that there may not be another election until 2018. However, we know there could be an election as early as this fall. Therefore, I want to give others the opportunity to prepare for whatever the future holds. Until that time, the people of Queens-Shelburne can count on my full attention,” Belliveau said.
Belliveau says he made the decision earlier this week, on the 10-year anniversary of his election as the NDP representative for the region.
“At different points of my life I have taken stock of what it is I have accomplished and what it is I would like to do next. I think reaching the 10-year mark as an MLA is a fitting point for reflection,” he said.
In the 1980s, Belliveau enjoyed 3 terms as the elected chairperson of the District 34 Lobster Advisory Board. He then moved on to municipal politics, where he was elected warden of the Municipality of the District of Barrington four times, serving until 2006, when he ran successfully for the NDP in Shelburne. He was the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as the Minister of Environment, in the NDP government from 2009 to 2013.
Belliveau says he remains committed to his role during this term, but he has decided that when the next election is called, it will be time for a new NDP candidate to put their name forward in Queens-Shelburne.
“Life is about chapters and chapters make you whole. My time as chairperson of the District 34 lobster advisory board and municipal warden each lasted about 10 years. When the Premier calls the next election, it will be time for me to ‘leave the dance,’” he said.
Until that time, Belliveau says he wants the people of Queens-Shelburne to know that his commitment to the riding remains steadfast. “I am aware that there may not be another election until 2018. However, we know there could be an election as early as this fall. Therefore, I want to give others the opportunity to prepare for whatever the future holds. Until that time, the people of Queens-Shelburne can count on my full attention,” Belliveau said.
