Well-liked Calgary MP Lee Richardson is leaving Ottawa to join Alberta Premier Alison Redford's staff as principal secretary.
Richardson announced that he was leaving Parliament in a statement delivered in the House of Commons Wednesday afternoon.
"This is an exciting challenge at a moment when Alberta's new premier is claiming a leadership role in the Canadian federation in a way that only Peter Lougheed amongst her predecessors has done," Richardson told MPs.
"I sat in this gallery 40 years ago as executive assistant to the right honourable John Diefenbaker, Canada's 13th prime minister," he said.
"He was no longer the leader of the Progressive Conservative party, at that time, but he was still master of this House, the greatest parliamentarian of his time."
The 64-year-old was first elected to Parliament in 1988 in the riding of Calgary Southeast, but was defeated by a Reform Party candidate in 1993. He returned to Ottawa in 2004 with a victory in the riding of Calgary Centre, which he has represented ever since.
Speaking to CTV's Power Play Wednesday evening, Richardson said he is leaving Ottawa "for a great new opportunity" in joining Redford's team.
But he also noted: "I want to be home."
Several opposition MPs said Wednesday they are sorry to see Richardson leave the capital.
"I must say, the time has been remarkably good to my friend from Calgary Centre," said NDP House Leader Nathan Cullen.
Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae said it was a pleasure to work with Richardson.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper also extended his "best wishes" to Richardson as he heads back to Alberta.
"On behalf of the entire Conservative caucus, I would like to thank Lee Richardson for his hard work and dedication in representing the constituents of Calgary Centre in the Parliament of Canada," Harper said in a statement.
"Lee has been a strong advocate for Alberta and a valued voice within our caucus."
Harper hailed Richardson's charitable work in Calgary, and his work as chair of several House committees, most recently the standing committee on international trade.
"We will miss Lee's wisdom and insight as we look to open new markets for Canadian goods," Harper said.
Richardson has a long history in Ottawa, having previously served as executive assistant to former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and was deputy chief of staff to former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
