The recent announcement Portage Lisgar-MP Brian Pallister won't seek re-election is sparking a variety of responses.

University of Manitoba Political Science Lecturer Paul Thomas points to a couple of factors which may have impacted the decision. He notes a life in politics poses personal and financial challenges, and Pallister may not have seen his prospects for advancement in the Harper government as very promising. Thomas expects competition for Pallister's position. He says given the safe nature of the conservatives in this riding, there will be a number of interested individuals.

Thomas adds this move will take Pallister out of the public life, giving him a chance to focus on his family and perhaps embark upon another career.

 

Dennis Meeches of Long Plain First Nation is looking ahead to the election. He would like to see more of a partnership between the MP and Long Plain and he hopes they can move forward in creating a better standard of living for all residents.
Meeches points out politics is a demanding occupation, and sixteen years of service is a long time. Though they didn't always see eye to eye, he wishes Pallister and his family all the best in the future.