Another week, and another NDP incumbent has chosen not to run for reelection.
Kingston and the Islands MPP Ian Arthur announced on Tuesday that he would not run for his seat again in the 2022 election. The announcement comes less than six months before the scheduled election takes place and in what should prove to be a competitive seat.
It also comes days after NDP MPP Taras Natyshak, who represents Essex, announced he would not run for reelection. Given longer-term trends in the area the PCs have long viewed Essex as a possible pickup opportunity for the party, and the lack of an incumbent could strengthen that case.
Arthur, a 36-year-old former chef who is passionate about climate change, explained his reasoning in a statement. "The past three years, including the pandemic, have also at times been challenging and brought into focus what is most important to me," the first-term MPP said. "I am deeply grateful for all the people who have supported me and our vision for Kingston. I look forward to continuing to work, as a private citizen, to help resolve the issues that trouble our community, especially housing, the doctor shortage and the climate crisis. I will be stepping back to pursue business opportunities in Kingston."
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath thanked Arthur for his service. "I want to thank Ian Arthur for his hard work, and devotion to his community. His decision to move on from provincial politics in 2022 was a difficult one, but I know he’s got much success ahead of him."
It's a season of sorts for MPPs to decide whether they want to continue with elected politics. Several PC MPPs have already announced that they will step down, including the likes of Norm Miller, Jim McDonell and former PC MPP Lindsey Park. But the open seats last won by the PCs tend to be less competitive than the vacant NDP seats.
The Liberals are hoping to be competitive in Kingston and the Islands in the 2022 election. Arthur's 2018 win represented an NDP pickup from the Liberals, who have tapped former MP Ted Hsu to be the local candidate.
Arthur won the riding in 2018 by 12 percentage points, the first time since the 1990 election that the Liberals did not win the riding.

NDP MPP Ian Arthur announces he won’t run for reelection

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