Caroline Mulroney set to resign from Doug Ford’s cabinet

Caroline Mulroney announced she is resigning from Ontario Premier Doug Ford's cabinet and the province's legislative assembly effective June 5. Photo by Jack Boland /Jack Boland/Toronto Sun

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Caroline Mulroney has announced that she will resign from Ontario’s legislature and from Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet in two weeks.

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Mulroney, the daughter of late prime minister Brian Mulroney, shared the news in a two-page letter addressed to constituents and posted on social media Monday morning.

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In it, she identifies two factors behind her difficult decisions.

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“Two years ago, I lost my father. Last year, my husband Andrew and I became empty nesters. These are the kinds of moments that clarify what matters,” she wrote, referencing her husband, business executive Andrew Lapham and the four children they raised together — two daughters and two sons.

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“Together, they have led me to the conclusion that now is the right time to step back from elected life and begin a new chapter, one I am genuinely excited about.”

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Mulroney said her resignation will be effective on Friday, June 5, when Members of Provincial Parliament rise and the legislative assembly ends for the summer. Her departure will also require a byelection in the riding at a future date.

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The 51-year-old called her time in government “one of the greatest privileges of my life” and went on to thank the many people and groups she worked alongside, including Ford.

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“Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your unwavering commitment to this province,” she wrote. “And keep working on your French. I know you can do it!”

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In a statement, Ford said the province was fortunate to have her “calm and steady leadership” and called her a “close personal friend” whom he’ll miss.

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“Politics is in Caroline’s blood,” the premier said. “The Ontario PC Party and our conservative movement will no doubt continue to benefit from her ideas and ideals. Here’s to an exciting next chapter for Caroline and her family.”

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His office said Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy will assume Mulroney’s position as President of the Treasury Board “on an interim basis” following her resignation.

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