“As it says in Ecclesiastes 3 verse 1, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, and after 14 years of public office, it shall be time for a new season”, says Van Kesteren.
Van Kesteren says he intends to continue to work full-time, and he hopes to spend more time with family.
“I have 36 great reasons to not seek re-election now, with our 37th grandchild coming in a few months”, Van Kesteren says.
In the statement, he outlines his service to his Chatham-Kent and Leamington constituents.
5,420: The number of meetings in the Constituency and Ottawa.
1: The number of votes missed for non-Parliamentary duties (son in critical condition).
1/3 Billion: The Number of Federal dollars brought into the constituency.
36: The number of grandkids Van Kesteren currently has.
9079: The number of passport applications checked and mailed for constituents.
101: The number of Coffee and Teas events.
2405: Number of votes in the House of Commons.
1,440: The number of Question Periods attended.
1,872: The number of community events attended.
72: The number of Passport Clinics held.
99.6: The percentage of votes Van Kesteren was present for when not away on other Government business.
530,000: The number of KMS driven to and from Ottawa.
Van Kesteren thanks his wife and family for their many years of support and encouragement.
The next federal election is tentatively scheduled for October 21, 2019.