Seamus O'Regan taking break from campaign to care for family member

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- Liberal candidate Seamus O'Regan says he's taking some time off from campaigning to spend time with his family.

The incumbent from Newfoundland and Labrador's St. John's South-Mount Pearl riding announced Wednesday he's taking a break to be by his father's side as he faces a serious health challenge.

O'Regan posted a message on Twitter thanking his campaign team, staff at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John's and well-wishers who have expressed support.

In tough times, you count on your friends. Thank you @dwightballnl for coming over to support my team.

Wish I was there, but it’s made it that much easier knowing we have such great friends and volunteers.

I hope to be back on the campaign trail soon. #goknockdoors pic.twitter.com/vqKRxeUzuc

— Seamus O'Regan (@SeamusORegan) October 9, 2019

O'Regan won the riding in 2015 and served as minister of veterans affairs and most recently minister of Indigenous services in Justin Trudeau's government.

He is the second Liberal candidate in two days to suspend a campaign, with less than two weeks left before the Oct. 21 election.

On Tuesday, Ontario candidate Filomena Tassi, the minister of seniors, said she was taking time off to care for her mother who is seriously ill.

This report by The Canadian Press was originally published Oct. 9, 2019.