Dimitri Soudas, director of communications for Stephen Harper, is moving on from his position in September, 2011.Chris Wattie/Reuters
Veteran Harper staffer Dimitri Soudas is leaving the Prime Minister's Office and his job as chief spokesman for the Conservative Leader.
He announced the move at a meeting of Conservative caucus Wednesday in Ottawa.
Mr. Soudas is one of Mr. Harper's hard-core loyalists and has been working for him for nine years.
Senator Marjory LeBreton said she will miss Mr. Soudas.
"He's been an outstanding, hard-working colleague," Ms. LeBreton said.
"I have nothing but admiration for his hard work and devotion to the Prime Minister."
Mr. Soudas's last day will be in early September and the native Montrealer is moving to Toronto with his family.
The Conservative aide had telegraphed this move for weeks, telling reporters during the campaign he would soon be leaving.
Mr. Soudas acted as the Prime Minister's top adviser on Quebec and communications issues over the years, all the while being closely involved in a variety of files. Mr. Soudas was described as being heavily involved in the most recent cabinet shuffle alongside other top Conservative advisers.
Mr. Soudas started off in Montreal municipal politics, and brought intense loyalty and partisanship to his work in Ottawa. He was a hard worker, calling journalists at every time of day to offer comments, tips, quotes or, at times, stinging criticism.
He was seen as being open with some journalists in Ottawa, while completely ignoring others.
Mr. Soudas started off in Ottawa in 2002, when Mr. Harper was the leader of the Canadian Alliance in opposition. He moved on to the Conservative Party after a merger with the Progressive Conservatives in 2003.
When Mr. Harper became Prime Minister in 2006, Mr. Soudas was closely linked to the PMO's efforts to impose greater control on communications, including making up a pre-determined list of journalists who could ask questions of Mr. Harper.
He also ruffled feathers in the party, especially on issues in Quebec - where he was seen to have more sway than a number of senior ministers from the province. His departure has been rumoured in recent weeks, with a number of Conservative officials stating his retirement would have a positive impact on the party, especially in Quebec.
Mr. Soudas had sway over appointments in the province over the years, and he was seen as being more supportive of the right-wing elements of the party in Quebec, mainly those supporters of the Action Démocratique du Québec.
In that context, some supporters of the Quebec Liberal Party felt that they were on the outs with the federal Conservative Party.
Mr. Soudas has three young children, and he said on Twitter that his first priority will now be his family as he moves to Toronto.
Steven Chase