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Independent Sen. Andre Pratte announces resignation on election night

Oct 21, 2019 | 8:03 PM

OTTAWA — Andre Pratte is announcing his resignation from the Senate as the federal election results are rolling in.

The Independent senator from Quebec posted his resignation letter on Twitter to explain his decision.

Pratte says in the letter that there comes a time when one realizes they do not have the skills and motivation required to accomplish the task they’ve been entrusted with.

He was appointed to the Senate in 2016 by Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.

Pratte says it saddens him to betray the trust that Trudeau had in him — but he adds it would be even more of a betrayal to continue in a role without meeting the level of excellence expected.

In the letter, Pratte says his resignation has nothing to do with the election and he chose the specific timing to ensure it would not be a distraction from the campaign.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Oct. 21, 2019.

The Canadian Press