Ottawa, ON -- Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, Saskatchewan, has officially announced that he will not be seeking re-election in 2015.

"For the past 20 years, I have had the sincere honour and privilege of representing the constituents of Yorkton-Melville, in east central Saskatchewan," said Breitkreuz.  "The experience has been both challenging and rewarding.  I appreciate those who trusted me with the responsibility of working on the nation's business in Parliament."

Breitkreuz, 68, was first elected to the House of Commons in 1993, for the federal constituency of Yorkton-Melville, and was re-elected in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2011.
  
"One of the reasons I got into politics was because I saw government spending spiralling out of control – taxes and interest on the debt were becoming a huge burden that would ultimately be downloaded onto our children and grandchildren," Breitkreuz noted. "I could not sit back and do nothing."

Breitkreuz has been active on many House of Commons’ standing committees over the years including Procedure and House Affairs, Agriculture and Justice.  From 2006 to 2010, he chaired the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. Breitkreuz also introduced numerous private members’ bills on issues including property rights, parental rights and responsibilities, and pro-life matters. His experience overseas before becoming an M.P. also helped him to be effective on many parliamentary delegations to other countries.  For a dozen years, Breitkreuz held an annual agriculture forum in the constituency to help keep farm producers informed on issues important to them.

Breitkreuz gained national and international recognition for his extensive work on the federal firearms file.  He took up the cause of gun owners' rights back in 1995 when the Liberal government of the day introduced draconian gun control legislation under the guise of Bill C-68. "I hit the ground running. Canadian firearms owners were under siege by unfair laws created to make gun ownership too difficult to maintain," recalled Breitkreuz.

Years of research and over 500 Access-to-Information requests resulted in what is commonly referred to as “The Billion Dollar Boondoggle" – the costs incurred to implement the long-gun registry – one of the onerous measures in Bill C-68.  In 2012, with a majority Conservative government, the long gun registry was finally scrapped – a victory for Canadian gun owners. Canada is only one of a few countries that have successfully reversed an anti-gun law. In recognition of his efforts, Breitkreuz has received numerous awards – most recently “International Legislator of the Year” by Safari Club International.

Breitkreuz also saw the need to preserve and promote in Parliament the heritage activities of Canadians who enjoy the great outdoors.  He created the Parliamentary Outdoors Caucus in June of 2006.  It has grown into one of the biggest all-party caucuses on Parliament Hill.  "I've hunted and fished with Conservatives, Liberals, NDPers, and Greens who love to get into the outdoors," noted Breitkreuz.  "The route to future legislation that will protect and maintain our rights is through elected members of all political stripes.  I hope to see this caucus continue long after I leave Ottawa and will work toward that goal."

"I am proud of my involvement in these and other national and local issues as a member of Parliament and as a member of the Conservative team," added Breitkreuz.  "However, now it is time for me to begin preparations to leave public office, and I look forward to having more time to spend with my wife, Lydia, my children and grandchildren."

Breitkreuz and his staff will continue to work on behalf of the constituents of Yorkton-Melville for the remainder of the 41st Parliament. "There's still more to do before I leave the House of Commons in October 2015, and I will continue to serve the interests and needs of my constituents,” concluded Breitkreuz.

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