Point Douglas MLA Kevin Chief resigns seat

New Democratic Party MLA Kevin Chief has resigned his Point Douglas seat in the Manitoba Legislature.

A spokesperson for the NDP confirms Chief is leaving politics for "family reasons." His resignation will take effect at the end of this month.

"We will miss his experience, his wisdom, his guidance and his friendship," interim NDP Leader Flor Marcelino said in an emailed statement. 

"The job of MLA puts a huge demand on an individual, both in the Legislative Assembly and in the constituency. We were lucky to have such a dedicated individual working with our NDP team on behalf of the people of Point Douglas and all of Manitoba," Marcelino's statement said.

"Kevin's passion for, and commitment to, his community has been evident throughout his career," Premier Brian Pallister said in a press release. 

"I know from experience, as do many members of our caucus, how challenging a life in politics can be for those with young children and I want to thank not only Kevin for his service, but his family for the sacrifices they have made in order for him to be able to serve the people of Point Douglas," the premier's statement said.

Chief took a run at federal politics in 2010 but lost to Liberal Kevin Lamoureux. He later successfully won a provincial seat in 2011 in Point Douglas. 

Chief moved quickly up the ranks in the NDP government of Greg Selinger.

He was first named minister of the newly-created Department of Children and Youth Opportunities. He also served as Minister of Jobs and the Economy before the NDP lost the election last spring.

He retained his own seat in the 2016 election.

Chief grew up in Winnipeg's North End and was a star athlete for the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. He would later work at the university, becoming the director of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre. He worked for a decade in education before making the jump to politics.

Chief had been talked about as a potential leader of the NDP after the party suffered a massive loss to Brian Pallister's Progressive Conservatives in the April 2016 election.