Ontario Education Minister Resigns After 2 Months in Post

Progressive Conservative MPP Todd Smith is seen outside the legislative chamber in Toronto following Question Period, on May 27, 2019. The Canadian Press/Chris Young

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced a new education minister following the resignation of Todd Smith, who held the role for just over two months.

Colleges and Universities Minister Jill Dunlop will take over the education ministry, according to an Ontario government news release.

Smith announced his resignation on social media, saying he was leaving politics for a job in the private sector.

“The life of a politician is hard and takes its toll. Especially when I was away from home as often as I’ve been over the past 13 years. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system at home,” Smith said in an Aug. 16 post on the X platform.

Smith was appointed education minister on June 6, taking over the post from Stephen Lecce. His resignation came one day after announcing a new funding formula for child-care operations in the national $10-a-day program.

Smith has been a member of the provincial parliament for about 13 years, and has been in cabinet for six, including as minister for children, community and social services, and minister of energy.

In his post, Smith thanked his constituents for their support.

“It’s been an honour to be your voice at Queen’s Park, and to work with leaders across our communities to deliver new homes, schools, long-term care facilities, a new humane society, a new YMCA and so much more,” he wrote.

Premier Ford responded to Smith’s post on the X platform, thanking him for his service in the government.

“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,” Ford said in his Aug. 16 post on X.

Cabinet Shuffle

In response to Smith’s departure, Ford shuffled several cabinet positions in addition to moving Dunlop to education from her role as minister of colleges and universities.

Associate Minister of Forestry Nolan Quinn will take over colleges and universities from Dunlop, while MPP Kevin Holland joins the cabinet as the new associate minister of forestry and forest products as part of the Ministry of Natural Resources, according to the release.

Graham McGregor becomes the new associate minister of auto theft and bail reform as part of the Ministry of the Solicitor General.