High-profile Rod Phillips, an Ontario cabinet member, said Friday that he would not seek re-election.
The timing of his statement will enable Premier Doug Ford to pick someone else to run the ministry, which now oversees a crisis-stricken industry.
Ajax MPP and three cabinet positions has always been an honour for me,” Phillips said in a statement.
“However, I’ve spent my professional life in business and I’m excited to return.”
Ford hailed Phillips for his “tireless” efforts for long-term care, which included building additional homes, hiring more nurses and personal support workers, and passing new laws.
“These efforts will enhance the lives of long-term care residents and their families,” Ford added.
Phillips was Ford’s first environment minister. A contentious two-week vacation to St. Barts, despite public health restrictions forbidding travel, led to his resignation as finance minister in December 2020.
Ford reappointed him as Long-Term Care Minister last year.
He leaves as the long-term care industry confronts serious problems. On Friday, moreover half of long-term care institutions reported COVID-19 outbreaks, and more workers had been infected than ever before.
Phillips’ resignation comes a week after another caucus member, Jeff Yurek, indicated he would step down next month and not run for re-election in June.
Several other caucus members have also said they would not seek re-election.
