Rudd stepping down as parliamentary secretary

Northumberland-Peterborough South MP Kim Rudd says that after “lengthy reflection” she’s stepping down from her parliamentary secretary duties.

Rudd was named parliamentary secretary to Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr after the Liberals swept to power in the October 2015 federal election.

In an interview Thursday Rudd said she “truly” loves the parliamentary secretary work and it was a difficult decision to step away from it.

But the job demands a lot of international travel, which takes her away from her riding.

Rudd is running for re-election in the 2019 federal election, and as she’s canvassed door-to-door this summer she’s decided there’s great benefit in “having these deeper conversations with more people.”

Rudd said she feels strongly the Liberal government “is on the right path,” such as plans to provide more affordable housing.

“That work needs to be continued,” she said. “And the only way it can continue in the right way is if I talk to folks.”

Rudd said that while she will miss the work, she plans to do other types of committee work that won’t see her travelling around the world so often.

She noted that her riding is 3,000 square kilometres – a large territory, with lots of concerns.

The riding includes AsphodelNorwood and Otonabee-South Monaghan townships in Peterborough County.

“Three years is a long time to carry a portfolio – although I’d do it again,” she said. “The prime minister supported my decision…. It’s the right decision.”

When asked whether she plans to step down as MP, Rudd said, “Oh God no – I’m running again.”