August 16: Ontario Education Minister Todd Smith has announced his resignation, effective immediately.
In a social media statement posted Friday morning, the Bay of Quinte MPP shared that he has made the tough decision to leave politics for a private sector opportunity.
“I have informed Premier Ford of my decision to resign my seat and step down from my cabinet duties effective immediately. I will not be seeking re-election,” he wrote. “I want to thank Premier Ford for giving me the chance to serve in his cabinet for more than six years and for trusting me with significant responsibilities.”
Smith previously served as Ontario’s energy minister for three years before becoming the education minister in June after a cabinet shuffle. Just yesterday, he was actively working in that role, announcing a new funding formula for childcare operators that would cap the daily fees parents pay at $22 starting in January.
In his statement, Smith didn’t go into detail about his reasons for leaving but acknowledged the challenges of political life and thanked his family for their support.
“Especially when I was away from home as often as I have been over the past 13 years. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system at home,” he said.
First elected as an MPP in 2011, Smith’s resignation comes just weeks before Ontario’s public school students return to school.
Premier Doug Ford praised Smith’s contributions, particularly his work on energy policies that lowered electricity prices for families and businesses. Ford expressed his appreciation in a social media message, saying, “Todd will always be a friend, and I look forward to seeing his future successes.”
It’s not yet clear when a new education minister will be appointed.
