Ontario Education Minister Todd Smith has announced he will resign from his position to take a job in the private sector.
Smith, who previously served in Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet in the energy, economic development and social services portfolios, was appointed as education minister more than two months ago.
“I have spoken to Premier Ford to let him know I am resigning my seat and stepping down from my cabinet duties effective immediately and that I will not be seeking re-election,” a statement posted on X Friday morning said.
Premier Doug Ford thanked Smith for his service in a statement posted just four minutes after.
Smith was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2011 as the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario MPP for Prince Edward-Hastings. He served as the area’s representative until 2018 when he became the MPP for the revised riding of Bay of Quinte, which covers Trenton, Belleville and Prince Edward County.
More to come.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Todd for his many years of service to our government, our province and our party. He leaves politics with a record that he can be incredibly proud of, including and especially fixing the previous government’s energy policies and… https://t.co/Y313c2O9CX
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) August 16, 2024