Russell Copeman retires from Quebec politics

Quebec Premier Jean Charest is losing one of his veterancaucus membersfrom Montreal.

Russell Copeman, who has served as the Liberal member for Notre-Dame-de-Grce since 1994, announcedWednesday afternoonhe is leaving politics.

Copeman served as legislative secretary to the health minister, but was never named to cabinet.

Copemansaid he decided to leave politics because he no longer has the drive for it. But he called his tour of duty at the national assembly an "immense privilege and honour".

He also thanked his wife Beverly for enduring many years of extended absences from home.

Copemanwas outspoken about social justice issues, and asone of fewanglophones in Quebec's legislature, he promoted minority rights.

Opposition leader Mario Dumont congratulated Copeman on his public service record, and said he contributed to the well-being of all Quebecers, while advocating for the province's most disenfranchised people.

His departure is a big loss for the Quebec Liberals, said Finance Minister Monique Jrme-Forget.

"To tell you the truth, everybody was tearful when he announced this morning in caucus that he was leaving," she said Wednesday. "It's a terrible loss for us.It's a personal loss for me.I can only wish him good luck."

Copeman has accepted an offer to becomeConcordia University's associate vice- president of government relations.