Ontario Deputy Premier Christine Elliott will not seek re-election in June

Ontario Deputy Premier Christine Elliott has announced she will not be seeking re-election in June.

In a statement issued Friday morning, Elliott said she made the decision after “considerable reflection and discussion” with her family.

Elliott, who was first elected to the legislature in 2006, will continue to serve as Minister of Health until the spring election.

She has been at the forefront of the province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic while serving as health minister and called the role “the honour of a lifetime.”

Elliott thanked frontline healthcare workers who she says have been tested the most during the COVID-19 pandemic. “They do so bravely, selflessly, and at great expense to their own personal lives and circumstances,” she said.

I recently shared with Premier Ford I will not be seeking re-election in June. Until then, I will continue what has been the honour of a lifetime to support our gov’t as Minister of Health.

To the people of Newmarket-Aurora, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. pic.twitter.com/VH5EbCHh2c

— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) March 4, 2022

Premier Doug Ford says Elliott has been a close personal friend to him for years and has supported him since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic.

“Christine has been by my side since the start of the pandemic. She remains instrumental in helping steer Ontario through one of the most difficult periods in our province’s history, especially now as we continue to protect our hard-fought progress and ease public health measures. I will continue to rely on her advice and counsel,” said Ford.

The announcement of Elliott’s departure comes not long after another member of Ford’s cabinet, Rod Philips, resigned and said he would not be running in the upcoming election.