Essex MPP Taras Natyshak will not run in 2022

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Citing family reasons, Essex MPP Taras Natyshak announced on Friday that he will not seek re-election in the 2022 provincial elections.

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“It was certainly something that I have been talking about with my family for a while, discussing what the next steps will be for us as a family and it was clear that the time was right,” Natyshak, 44, said in an interview. .

“After 10 years as an elected official and nearly 16 in the public eye as a candidate in one form or another, it made sense to clear the way for a new runway for a new journey for me and my family.”

I’m excited for the future

Natyshak was first elected in the 2011 provincial elections after three unsuccessful attempts to run at the federal level in horsemanship in 2006, 2008 and 2011.

“When I started my first campaign, my daughter (Airika) was one year old and now she is going to college,” Natyshak said.

“Time flies and a lot of time passes in the blink of an eye.”

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Natyshak also has a son, Drake, 14, with his wife Jenny.

“It’s one of those things,” Natyshak said.

“It’s just trying to figure out who I am without the political person. I feel like that guy comes back and he’s a good guy. He’s creative and likes to hang out with his wife. “

Known for his heated exchanges with Prime Minister Doug Ford in Queen’s Park for the past three and a half years, even calling him a “piece of (poop),” Natyshak said the decision was a difficult one.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve our community and be their voice and fight on their behalf,” Natyshak said.

“I will always appreciate the opportunities to hear the stories of people in my community and help them navigate the system and fight for policies that improve their lives. I will need to find a new place to do that. “

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Before being elected MPP, Natyshak served as the director of training for the International Workers Union of North America (LiUNA), but has no idea what he will do next.

“I am excited about the future,” Natyshak said.

“I hope my next track is long, but it gives me enough time to maybe have a second race and challenge myself in different ways that I may not even know exist.

“Hopefully something that keeps me closer to home and gives me the opportunity to be present with my family.”

Natyshak noted that he still has time to hold the government to account before the June 2 elections, which he is confident the NDP will win.

“Andrea Horwath has been a mentor, a leader and a friend,” Natyshak said.

“She supported me, inspired me and made this job a lot of fun. She is exactly what Ontario needs now: someone who focuses on the workers, not the rich. In local businesses, not in big box stores. Investing in our children and their futures, not making cuts. “

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