Caroline Mulroney resigns from Doug Ford cabinet and Ontario legislature

Ontario cabinet minister Caroline Mulroney has announced she will resign from Premier Doug Ford’s government and step down as an MPP next month after eight years in provincial politics.

Mulroney, who currently serves as president of the Treasury Board and minister of Francophone Affairs, said in a letter shared on social media that she informed Ford of her decision on Sunday.

Her resignation will officially take effect on June 5.

“Serving as your Member of Provincial Parliament for York-Simcoe and as a member of the Ontario government for the past eight years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It is not a decision I have made lightly,” Mulroney wrote.

She said recent personal milestones influenced her decision to leave elected office.

“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 said.

Mulroney, daughter of former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney, was first elected in York-Simcoe in 2018.

In a statement, Premier Doug Ford praised her leadership and contributions to public transit, fiscal policy and Ontario’s Francophone community.

“Caroline leaves behind a record she can be immensely proud of,” Ford said.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy will temporarily assume Mulroney’s Treasury Board responsibilities after her departure.