Bob Rae quitting the Commons

(Updated) Former Liberal interim leader Bob Rae is resigning his seat in the House of Commons.

Rae announced he is leaving politics late this morning, saying it was an emotional and difficult decision. He says he is leaving in order to focus on his new role as chief negotiator for First Nations in talks with the province of Ontario about the ring of fire mining development in the northland.

His political career stretched over 35 years and two parties. Rae began in politics as a new democrat and later shifted to the federal liberals. He was first elected to parliament in 1978, but moved to Ontario Provincial Politics four years later, when he became provincial NDP leader, then premier from 1990-95.

In 2006, having joined the Liberals, he unsuccessfully sought the party leadership, but won a seat in the Commons in 2008, becoming interim leader after Michael Ignatieff lost his seat in the 2011 election. Rae says he’s proud of the renewal and rebuilding that has been accomplished over the last few years, adding he’s confident the party is in good shape. He says he will continue to work for the Liberal party.

Al Sweeney joins us with reaction to Rae’s resignation as well as words from the man himself.

Image: Bob Rae’s website