vellacott-maurice-w220Six-term Saskatchewan Conservative MP Maurice Vellacott (pictured), who was first elected as a Reform Party candidate in 1997, and who currently represents the riding of Saskatoon-Wanuskewin, announced yesterday that he would not run in the next federal election which is scheduled for October 2015.

During his time in Parliament Vellacott distinguished himself primarily for his virulent advocacy against same-sex marriage and freedom of reproductive choice for women. He announced in his statement that he was resigning to spend more time with his family — including a young adult son struggling with mental health issues.