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Dear friends, Today I announced that I would not be a candidate in the next federal election. I am leaving politics after almost 15 years as the Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat, and for the last 30 months as a cabinet minister serving under Prime Minister Harper.The decision to retire is the most difficult decision that I can remember making. Leaving means leaving interesting, important work and many deep friendships. I am not so naïve as to believe that others won't pick up the work and go beyond my modest contribution. But I am grateful for the friends that I get to keep, and the memories of a million kindnesses shown to me by my constituents, the people I have worked with in my office, public servants, my caucus and cabinet colleagues, and the Prime Minister. I am grateful for the generosity of spirit from everyday Canadians who often approached me in airports to say "Thank You." Hardly a day passed when an opposition colleague didn’t share a joke or laugh. And I can admit it now. I also have many friends in the media whom I forgive now for the many times they wrote about me and got it wrong. I also forgive them for the times they wrote about me and got it right! Obviously, I have much to be thankful for. None of this is possible without the support of family. I wish to publicly thank my wife Deb and my sons Matt and Michael for their support and love, without which this job would be impossible. Finally, I thank the wonderful people of Medicine Hat Constituency whom I have had the honour of representing. There are no finer people on the face of the planet. Sincerely, Monte Solberg
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