Long-time Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus will not run for re-election

With the shake-up in northern Ontario federal ridings, long-time Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus says he is going to step aside.

Angus made the announcement Thursday morning after seven elections and 20 years of service to the north.

"As the new electoral riding of Mushkegowuk-Kapuskasing-Timmins comes into effect, adding 20,000 square kilometres and many new communities, Angus says it is an opportune time to step aside," a news release said.

• Download the CTV News app now
• Get local breaking news alerts

"The decision to leave comes at a good moment for the NDP as the new riding features strong NDP polling numbers."

Angus will continue to serve his term, working until the next federal election expected in 2025.

"People tend to think of politics as the drama taking place within the Ottawa bubble. But for me, politics has always been rooted in the communities of northern Ontario," the MP is quoted as saying in the release.

"It meant an enormous amount of travel and countless days away from home, but it was worth it. I count myself blessed for being able to witness the power of hope, determination and the fundamental dignity of the people of the north."

He said the size of the newly created riding requires new energy, so he is ready to "pass the baton" to the next MP.

• Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox

"Representative democracy can only succeed if rooted in the relationships and interactions between MP and constituent," Angus said.

"After two decades of being a part-time husband and parent, I owe a lot of back time to the people I love."

With a file from video journalist Lydia Chubak in CTV News Timmins.