Richard Hurlburt's letter

Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservative party released the full text of Richard Hurlburt's resignation letter Wednesday, one day after announcing that the MLA for Yarmouth was quitting.

Read Hurlburt's full resignation letter to interim Tory Leader Karen Casey:

Dear Karen;

It is with deep regret and sorrow that I advise I am tendering my resignation as MLA for Yarmouth and as a member of the Progressive Conservative caucus effective Tuesday 9 February 2010.

I have represented the people of Yarmouth passionately for the past 10 years but feel it is only right that I step aside at this time.

I deeply regret my error in judgement as noted in the recent Auditor Generals report. My response to it has caused much anguish for my family, my community, my caucus, my party and individuals across Nova Scotia. I am truly sorry for this misstep and apologize to my constituents, all Nova Scotians, and my family for this pain and embarrassment. I can only imagine the discomfort and embarrassment they must be experiencing by comparing it to the pain I feel knowing that I am responsible and have let them down.

I would like to emphasize that the decisions to purchase the items in the report were mine and should not in any way be construed as involving my family or staff in either my constituency office, the caucus office or the Speakers office.

I have worked hard during the past ten years and I hope that this error in judgement will not adversely affect what has been accomplished for Yarmouth and all of Southwest Nova Scotia by working with the leaders and organizations in my community.

It has been an honour to serve my community, to be a member of the Progressive Conservative Caucus and to work for the betterment of all Nova Scotians.

Please accept my apologies for any difficulties this decision causes you or our Caucus however I believe it is the best course of action for me at this time.

In closing, I would like to thank the people of Yarmouth for allowing me to serve them and constituency, caucus and departmental staff for their support.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Hurlburt