Even though Jim Abbott’s political career is not over yet, we wish to offer our congratulations for 17 years in Parliament, fighting the good fight for his constituents.

Abbott announced this weekend past he would not be running in his seventh federal election, and thus the end of a political era is in sight.

Regardless of whether you supported Mr. Abbott’s political party (or parties, we should perhaps say — the Reform Party, the Canadian Alliance, the Conservatives) or his politics, it can’t be denied he had his finger firmly on the pulse of his electorate. His astonishing percentages of the public vote were often among the highest in Canada — clearly his message resonated strongly with his constituents.

Mr. Abbott’s successor, whoever it will be, will have large shoes to fill. And no doubt, local representatives of the other federal political parties will be seeing opportunities that the Jim Abbott, political juggernaut, is seeking a quieter life.

Mr. Abbott survived the rough and tumble of political life while always maintaining a sense of graciousness, courtesy and equanimity. He worked hard for constituents regardless of their political stripes — or lack thereof — and countless times went to back for individuals who did not know where to turn, often quietly and without fanfare.

While we look forward to what bodes to be a very interesting federal election coming up in these parts, we know Mr. Abbott won’t stop working hard in the time remaining to him in public office, and we wish him all the best in private life.