With tears in her eyes and hugs for her grandchildren, Victoria NDP MP Denise Savoie said Thursday that she is stepping down.

Flanked by federal NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair, who travelled to Victoria for her announcement, the 68-year-old Savoie said a "health warning" in the spring was a key factor in her decision.

"Over the summer I considered this new set of facts," she said at her Blanshard Street constituency office, where family, friends and office staff were on hand to show support. "I decided that I cannot represent my constituents to the standard that I think they've come to expect from me, from my office, or indeed to the standards that I expect of myself."

Savoie also referred to the impact of the death of former NDP leader Jack Layton a year ago.

"As it did for Tom and for our caucus and for Canadians, his loss affected me deeply. I guess that I reflected on the fragility of life and the need to make the most out of the time we have."

Savoie did not elaborate further on her health issues, but said in a statement that her doctor recommended she lead a more "balanced" life without the demanding travel schedule of an MP in a riding so far from Ottawa.

She said she will miss working with her constituents.

"I'm disappointed that I can't continue to work on their problems, on the issues they want me to work on. I want to thank them for electing me three times; it's been a privilege to serve them."

She credited her staff with getting things done for the public.

"I have amazing staff and they have dealt with thousands of cases from immigration to delayed passports to veterans who couldn't be heard by the government."

Savoie said she did her best to lobby for federal funds to use on such local amenities as the Johnson Street Bridge, the University of Victoria and seniors centres.

She was appointed deputy speaker of the House of Commons in 2011, a role she filled admirably, said Mulcair.

jwbell@timescolonist.com

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