Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault to resign as MP later this summer

Former federal environment minister Steven Guilbeault has announced he will resign as a member of Parliament for his Montreal-area riding later this summer.

Guilbeault informed Liberal caucus members of his decision during a national caucus meeting Tuesday morning. He said he will remain a member of caucus until stepping down from the seat later this summer.

In a statement to colleagues, Guilbeault said that after nearly seven years serving as an MP and cabinet minister, he now wants to continue his environmental and climate advocacy work outside elected office. He also thanked constituents for supporting him in the past three federal elections, calling the opportunity to represent the riding “the greatest honour” of his public life.

Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked Guilbeault for his contributions to government and his years of public service. According to federal political reporting, Guilbeault had expressed concerns in recent months over the Carney government moving away from some of the stricter climate policies introduced under former prime minister Justin Trudeau.

The resignation will trigger a future byelection in the Montreal-area riding once the seat is officially vacated. Under federal rules, the Speaker of the House formally informs Elections Canada after a vacancy is declared.