Bartolucci cagey on re-election bid

As far as the rampant rumours about his impending retirement go, Rick Bartolucci said he's “intent on completing” his current term as the MPP for Sudbury.

Responding to reporters' questions at a funding announcement at Health Sciences North Nov. 6, he said there's no truth to rumours that he's planning to announce his retirement in the near future.

“There is no intention this week or next to make any type of announcement,” he said.
At the same time, though, Bartolucci wouldn't confirm he will seek re-election should another election be called.

For now, he said he's still focused on his role as the MPP for Sudbury and as minister of Northern Development and Mines.

“Although we may have prorogued, I have been working very, very diligently at achieving opportunity in Northern Ontario and, of course, as the MPP in my community.”

He said if he were to announce his retirement, he'd make the decision with the help of his family first, then let party brass know, followed by the media.
“You won't hear it before from a reliable source unless Maureen, my wife, is going to talk to the media before I make the announcement,” Bartolucci joked. “But I don't think that's going to happen.”

First elected in 1995, Bartolucci is currently serving his fifth term as the MPP for Sudbury.