Two federal cabinet ministers announce departure from politics

Two more cabinet ministers in the Harper government have signalled theyre heading for the exits as the clock ticks down to the next federal election.

Heritage Minister Shelly Glover and International Development Minister Christian Paradis both chose the Good Friday holiday to announce theyre preparing to leave politics.

The timing meant they didnt have to run a gauntlet of media and explain why they are bowing out when theres a little more than six months left before an expected federal ballot.

They both cited personal reasons.

Ms. Glover and Mr. Paradis will remain in cabinet until the election but will not seek another term in office.

There has now been three retirement announcements in the Harper cabinet in 60 days.

A Conservative source wouldnt rule out the possibility of more departures, pointing to the crop of MPs elected in 1997 or 2000 as those most likely to consider calling it quits.

Former foreign affairs minister John Baird left cabinet rather abruptly in February to pursue a private career and hes since been hired by Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li as an adviser.

The late departure notices from Ms. Glover and Mr. Paradis leave replacement candidates less time to build their profiles.

While they were by no means household names, Mr. Paradis was an incumbent MP in Quebec, a province where the Conservatives have been repeatedly frustrated in their attempts to gain ground.

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Two federal cabinet ministers announce departure from politics