NDP MP for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke Randall Garrison rises before Question Period, Feb. 9, 2023 in Ottawa. Mr. Garrison served as the NDP critic for justice, 2SLGBTQI+ rights and as deputy defence critic.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
NDP MP Randall Garrison announced he will step down next month due to health reasons.
The Vancouver Island MP previously said he would not seek re-election but told the House of Commons Tuesday that he had submitted a letter of resignation to the Speaker earlier in the day, effective in January.
“After more than four years' waiting, I now have a family doctor and it’s time to listen to his advice about putting my health first,” Mr. Garrison said.
He said that his remarks are likely his last as the member for Esquimalt–Saanich–Sooke, a riding he has held since first being elected in 2011.
Mr. Garrison served as the NDP critic for justice, 2SLGBTQI+ rights and as deputy defence critic. Before becoming an MP, he was a councillor for the Victoria-area town of Esquimalt and an instructor at Camosun College.
In his remarks to the House, he thanked supporters and offered special thanks to his husband, whom he noted has always been encouraging of his work in public office.
Mr. Garrison said being an MP was never part of his plan, but that former NDP leader Jack Layton encouraged him to seek public office, saying there should be more gay members of Parliament.
“My time in Parliament has always been devoted to finding common ground to advance all Canadians and especially the most marginalized folks,” he said.
Mr. Garrison was praised by members across the aisle.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh was effusive in his praise for Mr. Garrison. “I am proud that he chose to be a part of this movement. I’m so, so thankful he said yes to Jack.”
Speaker of the House and Liberal MP Greg Fergus said Mr. Garrison’s work and career have deeply affected many Canadians including members of his own family, making specific reference to Mr. Garrison’s work for 2SLGBTQI+ rights.
Justice Minister Arif Virani, a Liberal MP, said Mr. Garrison is a classy individual who has always been a fierce defender of his riding, known for his work on justice files and with the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
Mr. Virani said he has never seen a more co-operative or collaborative MP, noting Mr. Garrison always understood where partisanship had to be replaced by principle to collaborate productively and advance causes such as the fight against hate.
“He represents the best of what it is to be a parliamentarian in this chamber,” said Mr. Virani.