Trevor Holder latest to join growing list of N.B. Tories not seeking re-election

The Portland-Simonds representative announced on Thursday that he won't be seeking re-election in the fall, after spending nearly 25 years in public office.

Trevor Holder, a New Brunswick MLA with a career spanning nearly 25 years, has become the latest Progress Conservative politician to announce they won’t be running for re-election in the fall.

Holder, who represents the riding of Portland-Simonds, was first elected to New Brunswick’s legislative assembly in June 1999. He’s established an extensive resumé during his time in public office, holding several portfolios, including minister of environment and local government and minister of tourism and parks, along with serving as deputy speaker.

Holder shared a message with his colleagues in the legislature on Thursday, labelling it his final speech in the legislature.

“There is a time for everything under heaven. It’s time for the kid from the north end of Saint John to say goodbye to the legislative assembly of New Brunswick…. I’m at peace with this,” he said during his address.

“I have learned far more from my constituents than they have ever learned from me.”

“It’s about being progressive and conservative at the same time,” he said, listing off milestones surrounding housing, environmental and economic policies that he worked toward throughout his quarter-century in public office while acknowledging certain staff members he worked alongside in his career.

“I thank the premier for our conversations during our last couple of days leading up to my decision,” he said.

Holder said the biggest driving forces behind his lengthy political career were his parents, children and wife Brenda.