By Canadian Press

Quebec Immigration Minister David Heurtel not seeking re-election

May 4, 2018 | 3:30 PM

Quebec Immigration Minister David Heurtel is the latest member of Premier Philippe Couillard’s government to announce he won’t run again in this fall’s election.

Heurtel confirmed the news on his Facebook page Friday and said illness in his family makes it impossible for him to continue his political career.

He joins fellow Liberal cabinet ministers Martin Coiteux, Stephanie Vallee and Jean-Marc Fournier in deciding to pack it in.

At least one other cabinet minister is reportedly contemplating his future, while about 10 Liberal backbenchers have also said they won’t run again in the Oct. 1 vote.

Heurtel, 45, was first elected in a December 2013 byelection and was re-elected in his Montreal riding the following year.

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He served as environment minister between 2014 and 2017 before moving to the immigration portfolio.

In Montreal, Couillard paid tribute to Heurtel.

“As environment minister, he played an important role in (boosting) Quebec’s stature on the international stage and in the fight against climate change,” the premier said.

“In Immigration, he is leaving with a new policy in place, notably in terms of the selection of immigrants, their integration and their learning French, which is a big step forward.”

The Canadian Press