Quebec Immigration Minister David Heurtel not seeking re-election

Quebec Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness Minister David Heurtel responds to Opposition questions on illegal immigrants crossing the border, during question period Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the legislature in Quebec City. Quebec Immigration Minister David Heurtel is the latest member of Premier Philippe Couillard's government to announce he won't run again in this fall's election. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

QUEBEC – Quebec Immigration Minister David Heurtel is the latest member of Premier Philippe Couillard’s government to announce he won’t run again in this fall’s election.

Heurtel confirmed the news on his Facebook page Friday and said illness in his family makes it impossible for him to continue his political career.

He joins fellow Liberal cabinet ministers Martin Coiteux, Stephanie Vallee and Jean-Marc Fournier in deciding to pack it in.

At least one other cabinet minister is reportedly contemplating his future, while about 10 Liberal backbenchers have also said they won’t run again in the Oct. 1 vote.

Heurtel, 45, was first elected in a December 2013 byelection and was re-elected in his Montreal riding the following year.

He served as environment minister between 2014 and 2017 before moving to the immigration portfolio.

In Montreal, Couillard paid tribute to Heurtel.

“As environment minister, he played an important role in (boosting) Quebec’s stature on the international stage and in the fight against climate change,” the premier said.

“In Immigration, he is leaving with a new policy in place, notably in terms of the selection of immigrants, their integration and their learning French, which is a big step forward.”