Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement
Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement on April 5:
“A career in public life is invariably rewarding, demanding and tough to give up. It’s why I know that Ministers Michael Chan and Tracy MacCharles and MPP Grant Crack have faced a difficult decision in choosing not to run again in June’s election. These are always deeply personal decisions. For Michael and Tracy, it means taking time to focus on their health and all three members of my team have my full support and my gratitude for the contributions they have made in their collective dozens of years working for the people of Ontario. So I want to take a moment to acknowledge the significant achievements of our three departing colleagues, before sharing the names of the three new potential candidates who have expressed an interest in running in these ridings in the upcoming election campaign.
Minister Tracy MacCharles (MPP Pickering-Scarborough) has worn many hats in our government including as an advocate for consumers, women and children. For Tracy, the personal is political. She is a lifelong champion for accessibility issues, moved by her family’s own experiences to make life better for everyone by ensuring people have the supports they need to live a full life. She knows a healthier and more caring Ontario is not just a nice idea — it is absolutely essential.
Minister Michael Chan (MPP Markham-Unionville) has spent more than a decade in politics, but the hours he has logged would suggest he’s been here even longer. Not only is Michael a dedicated representative and advocate for the city of Markham, but as Ontario’s first ever stand-alone Minister of International Trade, he has worked to secure the economic partnerships that are pivotal to our province’s future growth and success.
I know the people of Ontario join with me in wishing Tracy and Michael the very best on their journey to better health.
Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MPP Grant Crack has also made valuable contributions as a strong local voice for Eastern Ontario in our caucus. As the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, he has championed Ontario’s excellence and innovation in agri-food.
I am truly grateful for Tracy, Michael and Grant’s contributions over the last number of years.
These departures also represent an opportunity for us to welcome three new prospective candidates to our strong, diverse Liberal team. They are an impressive group. Sumi Shan, a tech entrepreneur has expressed an intention to run in Scarborough-Rouge Park; Juanita Nathan, a public school board trustee and the first Tamil woman elected to public office in Canada, will seek the nomination in Markham-Thornhill; and Pierre Leroux, the Mayor of Russell Township, will pursue the nomination in Glengarry-Prescott-Russell.
We are pushing forward with a plan to support care and create more opportunity for the people of Ontario at a crucial moment in our rapidly changing economy. We know that right now is not the time to pull back. People need more care, not deep cuts to the services that families rely on. I am excited about the diverse skillsets these individuals can bring to our team, and I look forward to working with them.”