VANCOUVER - After announcing last week that he'll be seeking a federal Liberal nomination in Montreal, Justin Trudeau now says he'll be stepping down as a director of the Canadian Avalanche Foundation.
The 35-year-old son of former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau became involved with the foundation after his brother Michel was killed by an avalanche in 1998.
"You don't get to be an MP and also be on multiple directorships,'' he said. "I have to step down from all my directorships. It's just par for the course. You represent your constituents. You don't represent any other organizations.''
Trudeau said he'll continue to spend time with the avalanche awareness community because it's something in which he believes.
"I will continue to be someone who gets out into the back country from time to time to recharge his soul. I'll continue to have friendships and connections with some of the amazing men and women who have made the mountain environment their home.''
Foundation president Chris Stethem said Trudeau has brought a high profile to the issue of avalanche safety.
"He's quite an innovative young man and had a lot of good ideas, which he'd bring to the board,'' he said.
Stethem said the foundation will continue to look for a new director and expand the board.
Trudeau announced last week that he'll seek the Liberal nomination in Papineau riding because he wants to change the way the political game is played.
That riding is held by the separatist Bloc Quebecois.
