O’Connell not seeking re-election

Lisha Van Nieuwenhove

Jennifer O’Connell, member of parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge for the past 10 years, announced last Friday that she will not seek re-election in the next federal election.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my community of Pickering-Uxbridge in the House of Commons, but I have made the difficult decision and informed the Prime Minister that I will not be seeking re-election for Member of Parliament in the next federal election.”

These words were part of a post on O’Connell’s Facebook page on Friday afternoon, which shared a three-page letter to her constituents that, along with recapping her political career, outlines some of the issues that led to her decision.

Pickering-Uxbridge Member of Parliament Jennifer O’Connell. Photo from canada.ca

O’Connell writes that online attacks had increased in the past few years, “especially when misinformation and disinformation was spread that lead to threats of violence and threats of sexual violence,” and that this played a role in her decision to “seek a more private life.” She points out in the letter that it was not just her affected when the online abuse occurred, it wa her team and family as well.

“I’ve had to worry about the safety of my staff at times, and I’ve had to make too many phone calls to my family letting them know they might see some concerning things but not to worry I am safe.”

O’Connell does acknowledge in the letter that signing up for public office “comes wit good and bad,” but expresses concern that, when physical safety for both herself and those she cares about comes into question, it was time for her to “seriously reflect on the risks and what was best for not just (her) own well-being but those who support this work as well.” She also addresses divisiveness in Canadian politics, and expresses hope that politics will return to a “diversity of ideas and vigorous debates around policy and the best direction for this country.”

O’Connell began her political career almost 20 years ago, serving in Pickering, first as a city councillor, then regional councillor and deputy mayor, before becoming MP for Pickering-Uxbridge in 2015. During her time in Ottawa, O’Connell served as parliamentary secretary to several ministries, including Finance, Health, Infrastructure and Communities and Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs (Cyber Security).

Her letter thanks many people, from to her riding association to those who volunteered. She thanks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, several other MPs, her “team,” and her family and friends. She closes her letter with “Thank you once again to the people of Pickering-Uxbridge for your continued support, this has been the honour of my lifetime to serve our community, one that I am forever grateful to you all for.”

The federal Liberal party is currently seeking a new leader, following the resignation of Trudeau earlier this year. Once the leadership contest is decided, a general federal election will likely be called for later this year.