Winnipeg, MB— Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew made a statement today acknowledging MLA Andrew Swan’s decision not to seek re-election and thanked him for his service to the NDP and Manitobans.

“Andrew has been one of the most dynamic and hardworking MLAs the New Democratic Party has ever had,” said Kinew. “His breadth of knowledge on the issues that matter to Manitoba families, including an impressive understanding of Manitoba’s legal framework and its history, has been a valuable asset to our Party and the people it represents. Andrew has always maintained an enthusiastic vision of making life better for working families. My colleagues and I thank him for his dedication and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

About Andrew Swan:

Andrew was first elected in a by-election in the constituency of Minto in 2004. An experienced lawyer, Andrew served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Manitoba for five years. Under his leadership, Manitoba experienced the largest drop in crime in the province’s history.

Andrew has been the lead on more than sixty pieces of historic legislation, including strengthening the Human Rights Code for the first time in 25 years to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and social disadvantage. He introduced Canada’s first stand-alone restorative justice legislation, with the goal of expanding the use of positive alternatives. He also led reforms to increase the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, and opened Manitoba’s first Mental Health Court.

From January to April 2016, Andrew served as the Special Envoy for Military Affairs. A strong parliamentarian, Andrew served as Government House Leader from October 2013 to November 2014. In Opposition Andrew served as Health Critic, working with front line health workers and patients to fight against Brian Pallister’s cuts to health care.

Andrew is known as a strong constituency MLA who has served thousands of Minto residents over the years. As a notary public, he has helped countless families complete their paperwork for the Provincial Nominee Program.

Andrew is a devoted husband to Tamsin and father to two young women. He is an active marathon runner, curler and proud supporter of the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers.