Winnipeg MP and anti-abortion advocate Rod Bruinooge not running for re-election

WINNIPEG — A Winnipeg Conservative MP and anti-abortion advocate says he is not running for re-election.

Rod Bruinooge (broo-NOOZH’), who represents Winnipeg South, says he is leaving politics to spend more time with his two young children.

The Metis MP says in a statement that the loss of a close family member over the Christmas holidays led to his decision to spend more time at home.

Bruinooge has held the riding since 2006 when he defeated Liberal stalwart Reg Alcock by just over 100 votes.

Bruinooge was the chair of a parliamentary caucus which sought to rekindle the abortion debate and bring — what he called — “more value” to the lives of unborn children.

He also spoke out shortly after abortion provider Henry Morgentaler was awarded the Order of Canada in 2008, calling it “reprehensible.”

In his statement, Bruinooge said he is proud of his work, particularly as parliamentary secretary for Indian Affairs from 2006 to 2008.

“I am proud of the accomplishments in my career and especially thankful to have been involved in extending the Canadian Human Rights Act to First Nations people on reserve and the historic apology by Canada to the survivors of the residential schools,” he said.

The Liberals have already nominated Terry Duguid to carry the banner in Winnipeg South. Duguid ran unsuccessfully against Bruinooge in the 2011 election.