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Gerry Ritz no longer an MP

It’s official; Gerry Ritz is no longer MP for Battlefords-Lloydminster. Ritz resignation had been announced in late August, but it finally took effect last Monday, Oct. 2.
Gerry Ritz
A federal by-election will be held on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, in the electoral district of Battlefords–Lloydminster to fill the vacancy left in the House of Commons by the retirement of Gerry Ritz.

It’s official; Gerry Ritz is no longer MP for Battlefords-Lloydminster.

Ritz resignation had been announced in late August, but it finally took effect last Monday, Oct. 2. House speaker Geoff Regan announced the vacancy in the House of Commons during the sitting Oct. 3.

“The vacancy is the seat of the Hon. Gerry Ritz, member for the electoral district of Battlefords-Lloydminster, by resignation, effective Monday, October 2, 2017,” Regan said, according to the Hansard transcript.

“Pursuant to paragraph 25(1)(b) of the Parliament of Canada Act, I have addressed my warrant to the Chief Electoral Officer for the issue of a writ for the election of a member to fill the vacancy.”

This announcement means the clock is now ticking on a byelection date, which must be called by April 1, 2018.

As for Ritz’s official departure, the change is evident at his former constituency office. Ritz’s name has been removed from the window; however, the office remains open to handle any federal matters for constituents until a new MP is sworn in.

On his Twitter feed, Ritz has changed his profile to read “Previous Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster.”