Ontario’s Labour Minister Monte McNaughton announced his resignation early Friday morning, CHCH News has learned.

McNaughton released a statement saying that he is quitting provincial politics to take a job in the private sector.

His statement also says, “I realize that recent events will cause some to speculate about the reasons for my departure. I want those people to know that my decision is completely unrelated to those events.”

Premier Doug Ford also put out a statement Friday morning, saying McNaughton was pivotal in driving labour support to his party, and wishing him the best as the 12-year veteran politician moves the next chapter of his life.