Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton is leaving politics.
First elected to the Ontario Legislature in 2011, McNaughton issued a statement this morning saying he has 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,” McNaughton’s statement reads. “I will not be seeking re-election.”
Premier Doug Ford issued a statement, thanking McNaughton for his 12 years in public life, and expressing his gratitude for Monte’s work as a key member of the PC party both as Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Labour.
“Whether tackling Ontario’s generational labour shortage, connecting workers to better jobs with bigger paycheques, or breaking the stigma of skilled trades, Monte has been instrumental in our government’s plan to put workers at the Centre of Ontario’s economy and unprecedented growth,” the Premier said.
McNaughton’s resignation comes amid the Greenbelt scandal that has seen the resignation of two other cabinet ministers, however the Newbury-native says his decision to leave Queens Park is what’s best for his family.
“I realize that recent events will cause some to speculate about the reasons for my departure. I want those people to know that my decision is completely unrelated to those events.”
