Parti Quebecois leadership candidate Veronique Hivon has dropped out of the race, citing health concerns.
In a statement, the MNA for the riding of Joliette said she will be suspending all activities for a minimum of four weeks due to a need for complete rest.
Hivon had suspended her campaign on Aug. 18, citing doctor’s orders as she battled a case of labyrinthitis, a type of viral infection.
She thanked her campaign team in the statement as well as activists and citizens who supported her in her effort to succeed former PQ leader Pierre Karl Peladeau, who retired suddenly from politics in May.
She declined to endorse any of her former rivals.
#PQ leadership candidates @alexcloutier @JFLisee @martineouellet & @PaulPlamondon have all sent well wishes to @vhivon. #CoursePQ #polqc
— Maya Johnson (@MJohnsonCTV) August 26, 2016
Hivon said she plans to return to politics once she has recovered from her illness.
The PQ will elect its new leader in October.
