Svend Robinson not running in next election
By Boris Mann on April 15, 2004 - 9:30am
I just heard this while listening to CBC, and a quick search found this Globe and Mail story:
A member of the NDP since the age of 14, Mr. Robinson was first elected to the House of Commons in May 1979 to represent the riding of Burnaby-Douglas.
Globe and Mail: Svend Robinson leaving politics: report
Mr. Robinson is apparently making a public announcement here in Vancouver, likely later today.
I just watched the news conference on CTV, and he announced that he is stepping down because he pocketed a ring evidently worth $50,000 while at an auction on Good Friday. He is taking medical leave from his job as Member of Parliament and is seeking therapy for emotional stress. He blames his fall in Galiano in 1997 and his reluctance to take time off for himself (the president of the Burnaby-Douglas NDP constituency association said he and Svend's friends and colleagues had urged Svend to take some time off from his duties as MP) and describes his actions on Good Friday as "irrational". Svend is taking responsibility for his actions, is seeking legal advice and the police are investigating.
One of the reporters on CTV was skeptical that charges would be laid, and Keith Baldrey—the only political analyst in BC I respect—opined that this is totally out of character for Robinson.
Nice work on the follow up, Richard. See, comments are good for something!