National

Health Minister Mark Holland not running in upcoming election

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 13 Mar, 2025 04:18 PM

Health Minister Mark Holland said Thursday he won't run again in the coming federal election, announcing his change in plans just one day before Mark Carney is officially sworn in as prime minister.

Holland, who represents the riding of Ajax just outside Toronto, said in a social media post Thursday that "it's time to go home."

"Thank you to all the volunteers, advocates and friends for letting me fight alongside of you," Holland said. "I will always be at your side; I will just now do it out of office as I will not be running in the next election."

See my statement below: pic.twitter.com/WigPcW83BR
— Mark Holland (@markhollandlib) March 13, 2025

Holland was first elected in 2004, served until 2011 when he was defeated. He was re-elected in 2015 and has represented the riding since then.

Holland has served in several roles, including leader of the government in the House of Commons and chief government whip. He has been the minister of health since July 2023.

He has been a staunch defender of a woman's right to choose and had led negotiations with provinces on both the dental-care program and the federal pharmacare file. The federal government has signed agreements with three provinces to provide coverage for birth control and diabetes medications.

Carney, who won the Liberal leadership in a landslide victory Sunday, will be sworn in as Canada's 24th prime minister, alongside his cabinet, at a ceremony at Rideau Hall Friday. He is also set to announce his new cabinet, which is widely expected to have fewer seats than the 37 under currently serving under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Carney has promised a "seamless" and "quick" transition.

Holland, who backed former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland in the leadership race, wrote on social media on March 9 that he looked forward to working with Carney "on making Canada a place that is free and fair for everyone."

Five days later he said he would be leaving politics.

In his post Thursday, Holland said he has been "so deeply lucky" to serve his community.

"I have been so lucky to work with the absolute best, most wonderful people," Holland said. "What an adventure it has been."

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Fort Nelson shooting charges stayed against two men including gang leader

A spokeswoman for the BC Prosecution Service says charges have been stayed against two men in connection with a shooting last month in Fort Nelson, including one identified by police and in the courts as a gang leader. Court records show Bacon and Chasse, both 41 years old, have criminal histories dating back decades in B.C.

Fort Nelson shooting charges stayed against two men including gang leader

Dental hygienists urge federal parties to keep funding dental care program

The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association says its members are urging all federal parties to keep funding the national dental care program, arguing it's good for the economy. The association says access to oral health care and preventive care increases worker productivity and keeps people from taking sick days.

Dental hygienists urge federal parties to keep funding dental care program

When are tariffs expected, and on what? Key dates in the Canada-U.S. trade dispute

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said he still intends to slap Canada with tariffs next week after a monthlong reprieve. But Canadians confused about Trump's plans aren't alone, with the U.S. president at times contradicting himself about his own tariff plans.

When are tariffs expected, and on what? Key dates in the Canada-U.S. trade dispute

Public safety minister says Canada has answered U.S. demands on border security

Canadian law enforcement and border officials joined McGuinty and Canada's newly appointed "fentanyl czar" Kevin Brosseau in the U.S. capital this week to make a final diplomatic push against the tariffs. Trump's executive order to implement 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian imports, with a lower 10 per cent levy on energy, was delayed until March 4 after Canada agreed to introduce new security measures at the border.

Public safety minister says Canada has answered U.S. demands on border security

B.C.'s NDP government survives non-confidence vote brought forward by Conservatives

The British Columbia government has survived a non-confidence vote late Wednesday after the Opposition Conservative party wasted no time in trying to overthrow the NDP. In a vote that split along party lines, a motion brought forward by Opposition leader John Rustad was narrowly defeated, with every Conservative member voting for while both BC Green Party representatives voted against alongside NDP members.

B.C.'s NDP government survives non-confidence vote brought forward by Conservatives

Vancouver council approves pause on supporting housing projects

Vancouver's council has approved Mayor Ken Sim's plan to temporarily halt net new supportive housing projects in the city. A news release from Sim's office says it will allow the city to focus to "renewing aging, deteriorating stock," and transition temporary modular housing into permanent homes, while pushing for more supply elsewhere in the region.