Reactions are pouring in after Ontario Education Minister Todd Smith announced he is leaving politics, only two weeks before students are set to go back to school.
On Friday, Smith announced that he is stepping down from his seat and cabinet duties immediately and will not be seeking re-election.
“After almost 13 years as a Member of Provincial Parliament and 6 years in Premier Ford’s Cabinet, I have made the very difficult decision to leave politics and accept a position in the private sector,” Smith wrote in a statement on X.
“To my constituents in the Bay of Quinte and Prince-Edward-Hastings, thank you for your trust and support – which I am proud to say has grown significantly in each of the last four Ontario elections,” the statement continues. “It’s been an honour to be your voice of Queens 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.”
Smith also thanked Premier Doug Ford, as well as his teams and family. He did not elaborate on his new role in the private sector.
Smith worked as a journalist for almost two decades before being nominated to run as the Ontario PC candidate in the province’s Prince Edward-Hastings riding in 2011. Smith secured the spot, holding it until the district was abolished in 2018. The same year, he became the MPP for the newly formed Bay of Quinte district, in Ford’s majority government.
Smith has since held several portfolios, including economic development, government and consumer services, and energy. He also served as the Ontario Government House Leader from June 2018 to June 2019. Smith was named Minister of Education following a cabinet shuffle in June of this year.
ONTARIANS REACT TO SMITH’S RESIGNATION
Following news of Smith’s resignation, people in the province took to social media to share their thoughts. Some thanked Smith for his service, including the premier.
“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 bringing electricity prices down for hardworking families and businesses,” Ford shared on X.
“Todd will always be a friend and I can’t wait to watch his every success as he starts this next chapter of his life.”
“Thanks for your service in the energy file. Running a group that was willing to listen to facts from outside sources facilitated the saving of the stalwart Pickering B facility, securing its future for decades to come!” one person wrote on X.
“Thank you for your service. You’ve always had a broad smile, a firm handshake, and a funny quip anytime I’ve bumped into you at Queen’s Park. Good luck with what comes next!” another person said.
While others were less than impressed with his work.
“After less than 3 months in the job and just weeks before the start of the school year, Ford’s Education Minister is throwing in the towel & heading to the private sector,” Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles posted to X.
“Families deserve a government that will invest in schools, reduce class sizes and put students first. Instead it’s more chaos and uncertainty from a government that always treats kids as an afterthought,” Stiles continued.
Other Ontarians were also unimpressed with the move.
“2 weeks before school starts. Well done. Another eg of how this govt & its members are juuuuust fine leaving our kids & edu workers with an unstable start to the school year. Todd didn’t seem too interested in making things safer for schools so no loss, but who’s next 😒?” wrote one person on X.
“Meh, you won’t be missed Todd. You were a non starter. You simply maintained the messes in ministries and couldn’t get anything done. Byeee!,” another said.
“Thanks for nothing. Sincerely, A disabled woman in Ontario,” one user wrote.
It is unknown who will take over Smith’s education portfolio.
Most students in Ontario are set to go back to school on Sept. 3.
