Pablo Rodriguez prepares to step down as MP to pursue Quebec Liberal Party leadership

Pablo Rodriguez, an MP in Canada, is set to resign in January, concluding two decades of service in Parliament. He has expressed gratitude toward numerous individuals, acknowledging both prominent figures like the Prime Minister and essential staff members, such as those in the House of Commons kitchen. In his farewell speech, Rodriguez shared his personal journey, detailing his family's immigration to Quebec from Argentina as refugees when he was a child. He recounted how his father was a political prisoner who urged him to avoid a career in politics. Rodriguez began his political journey in 2004 and has held several cabinet positions, including transport and heritage ministers. His announcement of stepping down is tied to his ambition to lead the Quebec Liberal Party, a move he believes will allow him to continue impacting public life beyond his parliamentary role. By resigning now, he avoids triggering a costly by-election, as no by-elections are called within nine months of a fixed-date general election.