It appears the Nipissing-Timiskaming riding will have a new member of parliament.
Anthony Rota, who has served as MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming for 16 years, has told the CBC that he is not running for re-election.
In an interview with CBC Morning North, Rota was asked about his reaction to the new riding boundary changes. He responded by saying it would not impact him.
"By the way, I had discussions during the last election with my wife and I told her it was going to be our last one, and I'm keeping my word," Rota told the CBC.
"So I won't be running in the next election. But I'm sure we'll find an excellent candidate who will take my place."
Ironically, that interview took place on September 18, less than 10 days before the Hunka controversy - meaning Rota was not going to run for re-election regardless of any controversy.
On Friday morning Rota made his first public appearance at the media conference relating to the new health services centre at CFB North Bay where he was joined by Defence Minister Bill Blair.
Rota stepped down as Speaker of the House on September 28 amid international controversy after he invited a North Bay resident, Yaroslave Hunka, who fought for the Nazis, to attend a speech by the Ukrainian president a few days earlier.
During the event at CFB North Bay, Rota was asked about the Hunka controversy but deflected the question.
"I did make a statement in the chamber and afterwards but today we are here to discuss the new Health Services Centre," Rota said responding to a question.
See related: Defence Minister defends Rota over Hunka Scandal
See related: Rota resignation as Speaker effective tonight. Will stay on as MP
Rota first got into politics in 1994 when he got in as a city councillor in North Bay.
He's served as the Liberal MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming for 16 years, with a short break after losing his seat to the Conservatives in 2011.
