Christian Paradis, Shelly Glover, federal ministers, won't seek re-election

International Development Minister Christian Paradis and Heritage and Official Languages Minister Shelly Glover won't seek re-election, the senior federal Conservative members said today.

The two ministers, the latest big names in the Harper government's cabinet to announce their departures, released statements on Good Friday.

Two months ago, John Baird, then foreign affairs minister, announced his retirement from politics to work in the private sector.

Paradis, who is also the minister for la Francophonie, and Glover have faced controversies within their ministries during their terms. Both suggested their pending departures are, in part, for personal reasons.

"This decision is personal, after much consideration with my family," Paradis, 41-year-old member for the Quebec riding of Mégantic-L'Érable, said in a statement.

"We have come to the conclusion that after almost a decade of my being on the public stage, it's time for me to pass on the torch and move on serenely to write a new chapter in our lives."

Paradis was elected in 2006, and went on to hold a number of cabinet positions, including minister of public works and government services, minister of natural resources and minister of industry.

In 2012, Paradis was found to have breached the government's own ethics rules by giving special access to former Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer's business interests. The report was made public, but Paradis was given no fines or penalties.

Cleared of breaching conflict laws

A former police officer, ​Glover, 48, who represents the Winnipeg riding of St. Boniface, was first elected in 2008. She said in a statement that it was "time to return to my previous life."

"This past 18 months has been particularly difficult for me and my family as we have dealt with some very serious health issues while I was away from home. As their wife, mother and grandmother (with a second grandchild on the way), my family is very grateful that I am coming home."

Last year, the federal ethics watchdog cleared Glover of breaching conflict of interest laws by attending a fundraiser organized by her local riding association.

Both Paradis and Glover said they will continue to serve their constituents until the next election, expected in October.