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TORONTO — Three long-serving Liberal members of the Ontario legislature, including two cabinet ministers, say they will not be running in the upcoming provincial election.
Minister of Consumer Services and Persons with Disabilities Tracy MacCharles, International Trade Minister Michael Chan, and Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MPP Grant Crack announced their plans to leave political life in separate statements issued Thursday morning.
The departures come just over two months before the June 7 election and are the latest in a string of senior Liberals who have opted not to run.
Both MacCharles and Chan cited health concerns as primary reasons for their departure without providing details.
“This is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make but I have concluded that this is what is best for my constituents, my health and my family,” said MacCharles, who has represented the Toronto-area riding of Pickering-Scarborough East for the past seven years.
Chan, who first became an MPP in 2007, said his own health concerns had “recently developed” and said his decision not to seek re-election was a necessary one.
“My political career has been an unparalleled experience — a chance to contribute to shaping the future, to meet so many wonderful Ontarians, to promote the vibrancy and beauty of our province to the world,” said Chan, who indicated he would continue to serve as campaign co-chair ahead of the election.
Crack, who represented the eastern-Ontario riding of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell and served as parliamentary assistant to the minister of agriculture, said he plans to seek other career opportunities and expressed confidence that his seat would remain in Liberal hands despite the fact that the governing party has been trailing in recent polls.
Premier Kathleen Wynne heaped praise on her departing colleagues and wished them well.
“All three members of my team have my full support and my gratitude for the contributions they have made in their collective dozens of years working for the people of Ontario,” she said.
Last October, Deputy Premier Deb Matthews and Treasury Board Secretary Liz Sandals both announced they did not intend to seek re-election.
Their announcements came on the heels of similar decisions by Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid, house speaker Dave Levac, and Monty Kwinter, the province’s oldest MPP. Former Environment Minister Glen Murray left the government altogether with a move to the private sector.
