Nicholson says goodbye to politics

It’s one of the most impressive careers any Canadian has had in federal politics and now it’s time to step aside says Niagara Falls Conservative member of Parliament Rob Nicholson. After serving his constituents as their Ottawa representative for 24 years as well as serving all Canadians in his roles as a federal minister (including justice, defence and foreign affairs), Nicholson wants to spend more time with his family.

The father of three served under three prime ministers during his time as a conservative MP. He also spent six years as a Niagara regional councillor. “I’ve had a good run at it,” said Nicholson in an interview Wednesday with The Niagara Independent. “Serving over three decades in public office only works if you have the full support of your family as well as having a great staff,” explained the Conservative MP. “If you’re family doesn’t support you in this line of work, you won’t make it,” he said.

One of those family members, son Peter Nicholson, recently joined the world of politics himself when he won a seat at regional council representing the people of Niagara Falls. Peter said he is proud of his dad and it will be nice to have him home again. “He exemplifies honesty and integrity,” said the younger Nicholson. “He’s always been dedicated to his role as a member of parliament but also to his family and faith.”

While the younger Nicholson always appreciates his father’s sage advice and knows he can always go to him for support, “he understands I’m the one who was elected to the Region so he leaves the politics to me.”

When asked if he’d like to follow his father’s footsteps to Ottawa one day, Nicholson said, “I’m very pleased with my current role and also grateful to the people in Niagara for electing me. There’s a lot of work to do at the Region and that is my focus.”

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