Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is losing one of his cabinet ministers.
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan has announced he will resign as of Friday.
O’Regan said he will stay on as MP for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl but will not re-offer in the next election.
“Being chosen as MP in three elections over nine years by the people of this riding has been a great honour,” O’Regan said in a statement on social media.
“But, ultimately, my family comes first. I need to be a better husband, son, uncle, and friend, and this job means, and deserves, a lot of time in order to do it well.”
The Newfoundland and Labrador member of Parliament was first elected in 2015. He has been part of Trudeau’s cabinet since 2017, holding several portfolios during that time.
O’Regan’s cabinet replacement will be announced on Friday, the prime minister’s office announced in a statement.
“The Prime Minister extends his sincere thanks to Minister O’Regan for his exceptional leadership and dedication to making life better for Canadians, including for unions, workers, and organized labour,” said the statement.
The news comes after The Globe and Mail reported “tension” between Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Trudeau has said he continues to have “full confidence” in Freeland.
