Serre retires

Ben Serre says he’s left the Timiskaming-Cochrane riding a better place than it was when he was first elected in 1993.

Serre officially announced his retirement from federal politics today, a day earlier than he had said he would.

The longtime Liberal MP has represented the riding through three incarnations—Timiskaming, Timiskaming-Marten River and Timiskaming-Cochrane—and was the first francophone ever to be elected in the constituency.

But his days became numbered when electoral boundary changes saw Timiskaming-Cochrane merged into three surrounding ridings: Timmins-James Bay, Nickel Belt and Nipissing.

Help finish projects
Rather than seeking the nomination in those ridings, Serre, 52, opted to retire from politics although not from the work force.

“I’m not entitled to my MP’s pension until 55 and while I haven’t made any definite plans I’m considering going into public relations and consulting,” said Serre.

“I also want to be able to help finish some of the projects I started as an MP and I will work very closely with the three MPs in these areas to do that.”

Take a breather
Serre said he didn’t “have it in my heart anymore” to contest a nomination.

“At 80 to 90 hours a week this job takes a toll on you. Retiring from politics is best for me and my family and lets us take a breather.”

Serre will be leaving the job—“my last day will be whenever the federal election is called”—with “a little bit of sadness,” he said.

“I’ve developed almost a unique relationship with my constituents and developed friendships that go across partisan borders,” Serre said.

“But I’m satisfied because I believe I’m leaving the riding a better place than it was when I was first elected.”