Raymond Louie with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson in 2011.John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail
Veteran Vancouver councillor Raymond Louie says he has decided not to seek either the Liberal or NDP nomination in the federal Vancouver East riding.
The Vision Vancouver councillor said Wednesday he has decided to focus on his municipal responsibilities instead of looking to enter federal politics, despite being encouraged to do so in December.
Mr. Louie said he has a number of roles in local government, including his role as acting mayor, that will allow him to advance his interest in various issues rather than seeking a federal seat.
Mr. Louie had, last month, raised the possibility of a run, saying friends in the NDP and the Liberal Party of Canada had encouraged him to consider running for the nominations of their respective parties in Vancouver East.
The councillor, elected to a fifth term in last fall's municipal election, said in December that no one had made a "compelling case" to run, but he was keeping an open mind about their arguments.
Despite his decision to sit out the 2015 federal election, Mr. Louie said he isn't ruling out a future federal bid.
"The door's not closed forever," Mr. Louie said on Wednesday. "Each opportunity needs to be looked at carefully and in the context of what is happening."
Vancouver East's veteran MP Libby Davies of the NDP has announced she will not seek re-election this year, prompting interest among several politicians in seeking the nomination. Ms. Davies has held Vancouver East for 17 years.
NDP MLA Mable Elmore has entered the nomination race and former provincial cabinet minister Jenny Kwan is also considering a run.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said he welcomed Mr. Louie's decision to remain in municipal politics "[Mr. Louie's] leadership is incredibly important to our priorities at City Hall, and he is one of Vancouver's and Canada's strongest advocates for major new infrastructure investments, building new affordable housing, and ensuring strong business discipline in government," Mr. Robertson said in a statement.
"I look forward to continuing that work with Raymond both at City Hall and through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities."
Ian Bailey