Sean Fraser Joins List of Liberals Reversing Retirement, Will Run in Central Nova

Former cabinet minister and Liberal MP Sean Fraser has reversed his decision to leave politics and will run for re-election in Nova Scotia’s Central Nova riding. The announcement comes just months after Fraser said he would step away to focus on his family, citing the strain of political life.

Multiple sources confirmed that Fraser’s decision was influenced by a personal phone call from Liberal Leader Mark Carney, urging him to reconsider. According to insiders, Carney assured Fraser that the party would support him in finding a better balance between his political career and family commitments.

Fraser and Carney are expected to make the official announcement together later today at an event in Nova Scotia.

Speaking in Halifax ahead of the announcement, Carney praised Fraser’s contributions, calling him an “exceptional public servant” whose return would be a significant asset for Canada.

“I and my colleagues have wanted Sean Fraser to come back and serve Canada at this crucial time. Sean stepping up for our country, if that indeed is what he’s going to announce later today, is exceptionally good news for Canada,” Carney told reporters.

Fraser, who was the federal housing minister until December, previously served as immigration minister. His unexpected comeback follows a series of high-profile reversals by Liberal MPs who initially announced plans to step away but later decided to run again.

The decision creates uncertainty for the recently nominated Liberal candidate in Central Nova, Graham Murray. Murray was notably absent from Carney’s appearance in Halifax on Tuesday, raising speculation about whether Fraser’s return would prompt a leadership shakeup in the riding.

Fraser is not alone in his change of heart. Cabinet minister Anita Anand also reversed her decision to retire last month, while New Brunswick MP Wayne Long and Ontario MP Helena Jaczek followed suit. The wave of returning Liberal candidates appears to be part of Carney’s strategy to strengthen the party’s roster ahead of the federal election.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wasted no time in criticizing Fraser’s return, highlighting his track record on housing and immigration — both of which have been key points of attack for the opposition.

“He helped contribute to creating this crisis in the first place. And now Mark Carney and the Liberals say that he should be back,” Poilievre told reporters in Vaughan, Ont.

Poilievre framed Fraser’s comeback as a sign of continuity with the previous Trudeau government, which he claims failed to address Canada’s affordability and immigration challenges.

With the federal election drawing closer, Fraser’s re-entry into the race signals the Liberals’ push to retain seasoned voices as they prepare to face off against the Conservatives.