Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton, who is also the Minister of Labour in Ontario, has announced his resignation.
“It is always difficult to know the right time to leave politics,” McNaughton said in a statement issued on Friday morning, September 22, 2023.
“After much soul searching over the summer months, I have accepted a job in the private sector. I have spoken with Premier Ford to let him know that I am stepping down from my cabinet duties immediately and will be resigning my seat in the days ahead. I will not be seeking re-election.”
McNaughton added: “It has been the honour of a lifetime to serve the people of Ontario as Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development for more than four years. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. It has been a privilege to have represented you since 2011.”
McNaughton said he realizes recent events will cause some to speculate about the reasons for his departure.
“I want those people to know that my decision is completely unrelated to those events,” McNaughton stated.
“I support Premier Ford and am proud to have served in his cabinet. I am forever grateful for the opportunities he’s given me to contribute to this amazing province. I believe strongly in his team and its vision. I know they will continue to do great things for the people of this province. I’m making this decision because it’s the right one for me and my family.”
McNaughton added” “I want to thank my fantastic team, both at Queen’s Park and at home, in Strathroy and Wallaceburg, for all the incredible hard work and dedication. I’d also like to thank my colleagues, who are dedicated, passionate public servants. Most of all, I’d like to thank the two loves of my life, my wife, Kate, and daughter, Annie, for supporting me through thick and thin. My family has made many sacrifices, including hundreds of trips down Highway 401, to split their time between our riding and Toronto so that we could spend as much time together as possible. Thank you.”
We’ll provide more details when they become available.
