Environment minister stepping down

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OTTAWA (NEWS1130) – Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s environment minister is quitting politics to take a job in the private sector.
Jim Prentice made the surprise announcement the House of Commons today.

“It has now been, remarkably, nine years, and it is time for me to pursue new opportunities outside of public life. I have, therefore, today accepted a position with the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as the Vice Chairman of the Bank, and as the Senior Executive Vice President of the bank, effective January 1st of 2011.”

Prentice, 54, spent the last four years as a key member of Harper’s Conservative government cabinet. He is frequently mentioned among the possible candidates who could succeed Harper as Conservative leader.

Harper told the Commons that Prentice has earned the “highest respect” of not just the prime minister, but of the entire House. Prentice served as chairman of the cabinet operations committee and was also a member of the crucial priorities and planning committee.

His resignation removes a recognized “Red Tory” from a governing caucus dominated by the old Reform party wing of the combined Conservative party.

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