Vancouver-Quadra MP Stephen Owen has decided to leave politics. Owen’s decision follows announcements to retire by former Liberal cabinet ministers Bill Graham and Jim Peterson. Here’s the announcement from his party’s leader:
OTTAWA – Stéphane Dion, Leader of the Official Opposition, paid tribute to the Honourable Stephen Owen, who will resign his position as MP for Vancouver-Quadra on July 27, 2007, to accept an appointment as Vice President, External and Community Relations at the University of British Columbia.
“I am so proud to have served alongside Stephen Owen for the past seven years,” said Mr. Dion. “It has been a tremendous journey – and through it all Mr. Owen has served his province and his country with great intelligence and integrity.”
Mr. Owen was first elected to Parliament in November 2000, and has served the people of Vancouver-Quadra for seven years. He held several cabinet positions under the leadership of Prime Ministers Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin, including Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, Secretary of State for Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Receiver General for Canada, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of Sport.
Mr. Owen went on to serve as the Official Opposition Critic for Democratic Reform under the leadership of Liberal Opposition Leader Stéphane Dion and Interim Leader Bill Graham.
Mr. Dion noted that while he and Mr. Owen have shared similar career paths, aside from being academics and cabinet colleagues, the passion they share the most is a deep commitment to the sustainability of our country and of our planet.
“Stephen Owen has been an exceptional Member of Parliament. He is admired by the entire Liberal Caucus for being one of the most hardworking, ethical and effective representatives of the Canadian people.
“I am very proud to have worked with Mr. Owen, and very honoured to offer my congratulations on his political legacy,” said Mr. Dion. “In the future, I will always count on him as a trusted advisor.”