Long time Liberal MP Irwin Cotler is retiring from politics.
Cotler is an internationally renowned human rights activist who was first elected in 1999 in the riding of Mount Royal.
Cotler will stay on as the MP for the riding until the next federal election in 2015.
Mount Royal is considered a safe Liberal seat, although the Conservative Party made a strong attempt to win the riding in the previous election with candidate Saulie Zajdel.
Cotler was last elected in 2011 with over 41 percent of votes cast.
Before Cotler held the riding it was held fro 15 years by Sheila Finestone, and for nearly two decades by former prime minister Pierre Trudeau.
