Lauzon was ‘tower of strength’ for Conservatives: Harper

In this August 2015, file photo, Lancaster dairy farmer Bruce McCuaig, second from right, talks with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, his wife Laureen, and SDSG Conservative Guy Lauzon. Lauzon has announced that he won't seek re-election after 15 years in office. Harper said that Lauzon was a 'tower of strength' for the party. (Newswatch Group/Bill Kingston, File)

The following is a statement from former Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Saturday’s announcement from MP Guy Lauzon that he will be retiring and not seeking re-election in October:

As Guy Lauzon announces his plan to retire from politics, let me use this opportunity to acknowledge and thank him for his tremendous service to our country, our party, and his constituents.

Guy came to politics after a long career in the federal public service, many years in business, and a distinguished record of charitable activity. In other words, he had already done it all even before his first electoral victory in 2004.

Guy served in many roles in Opposition and Government, but his most notable time came as our National Caucus Chair from 2008 to 2015. In that position, he was much admired by all his Conservative colleagues and was a tower of strength for our Government.

Yet Guy’s attention never wandered far from Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. He worked tirelessly to defend and advance the interests of his constituents. This accounts for his four subsequent re-elections, in which he always exceeded 50% of the vote.

To say Guy’s retirement is well earned is truly an understatement. Laureen and I wish Frances and Guy all the best in the next stage of their lives.

Stephen Harper
22nd Prime Minister of Canada