Belinda Stronach Quits Politics, Gets Better Job

Newmarket-Aurora Liberal MP Belinda Stronach is ending her short, yet wild ride in federal politics and returning to her corporate roots as an Assistant Manager at Fantasy In Glass, Canada’s first and still only officially sanctioned stained glass supplier.

The former politician and auto-parts empire heiress was quoted saying "My father is looking to the future, the company is facing important strategic decisions, and the Canadian and global auto sector and economy is in a period of great challenge, but I know that Mikey needs me just as much, if not more," Stronach said in announcing her decision yesterday.

Stronach will keep her seat until the next election, but will immediately begin working nights and Saturdays until then- a move welcomed greatly by Anja as the two women can now share fashion tips and how to access inventory while on a ladder wearing a pleated skirt.

Stronach, whose exit came as little surprise to party insiders, joins nearly a dozen other Liberals who have decided not to seek re-election. Competing stained glass suppliers are expecting an onslaught of applicants.

Stephane Dion expressed disappointment over Stronach leaving, “She will be sorely missed, but I understand her need to help Mikey and Sammy and all those devoted stained glass people.” he was quoted. “Canada is not in the best of shape but I know that she will be best utilized at Fantasy In Glass. I understand Mikey is looking forward to her expertise in replacing all his plastic slotwall hooks with a newer upgraded chromed model.”

"It is certainly something that I am a little bit disappointed, but at the same time I am pleased that she is able to help others in her new role."

The 40-year-old former Magna CEO was perhaps the best-known businesswoman in Canada when she strode onto the federal political scene almost four years ago as a matchmaker between the Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservatives. In 2004, she ran second to Stephen Harper in the race to lead the newborn Conservative Party. Her relationship with current Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay was soon making headlines before it ended in a blaze of publicity as she crossed the floor to the Liberals.

Stronach returned to the headlines last year after court papers linked her romantically to former Leafs tough guy Tie Domi. Rumours of how she got her new job at Fantasy In Glass, and any romantic involvement with Mikey are probably unfounded.