Canadian defence minister harjit sajjan controversy

OTTAWA — Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan on Wednesday became the latest member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's front bench to announce he won't seek re-election.

More than two dozen Liberals, including some ministers, are taking themselves out of the running in the next campaign as their party continues to face dismal polling numbers.

Sajjan said in a media statement he will remain a dedicated member of the Liberal party but his name will not be on the ballot the next time Canadians go to the polls.

Parliament is prorogued until March 24 and some spending votes, which are confidence matters, are expected to take place that same week.

Sajjan used his statement to express gratitude for what he said the government accomplished in his nearly 10 years in office.

He also called for a return to civility in politics.

"Sadly over the last few years, our political landscape has become increasingly toxic and polarized with more aggressive rhetoric and even physical threat