Fullerton resigns as MPP for Kanata-Carleton
Ottawa-area MPP and cabinet minister Merrilee Fullerton is leaving provincial politics, effective immediately.
The Kanata-Carleton Progressive Conservative MPP announced on Twitter Friday afternoon that she has tendered her resignation to Premier Doug Ford. Fullerton's sudden retirement from politics means Ottawa does not have an MPP in the Ontario cabinet.
"A strong sense of duty brought me to politics after decades as a family physician serving my community, to continue my work towards solutions that would address the shortcomings of our healthcare system and improve health care services for individuals," Fullerton said in a letter to the premier.
"I wish to express my appreciation to you, Premier, for the opportunity to serve Ontarians in cabinet. I am grateful for my caucus and cabinet colleagues, who have put their names on the ballot, taken on the responsibilities of public life, and shared this journey with me.
"I am grateful to the constituents of Kanata and West Carleton who have supported me in my efforts to improve the lives of others. It has been an honour to represent Kanata-Carleton in the Ontario Legislature."
She provided no reason why she is resigning as MPP.
Premier Ford issued a statement wishing Fullerton luck as she "retires from the world of politics."
"Merrilee has been a key member of our team since day one, advancing our government’s agenda to build Ontario and helping to lead our response to the COVID-19 pandemic by serving in important roles in Cabinet," Ford said. "I wish my friend the very best as she retires from the world of politics. I have no doubt she’ll continue to give back and contribute to the great communities of Kanata and Carleton in so many ways."
Fullerton was first elected MPP for Kanata-Carleton in the 2018 election, and was re-elected last June with 43 per cent of the vote.
Fullerton was serving as minister of children, community and social services for the Ontario government. She previously served as minister of long-term care and minister of training, colleges and universities.
Michael Parsa has been named the new minister of children, community and social services.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.