Compiled by Sara Yonis
MPP and Finance Minister Dwight Duncan
COURTESY Flickr
Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan is resigning from his position after serving 25 years in office.
Duncan, 54, said he is also going to resign as the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Windsor-Tecumseh on Feb. 14.
Duncan has been an MPP since 1995 and has won five straight elections since then.
News of Duncan leaving provincial office came out when former Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced he would step down in October.
“I’m very proud of the fact that I was Dalton McGuinty’s guy, I always will be, but I think Kathleen needs a free hand, and there are a lot of talented people in our caucus who have not had the opportunity to serve in cabinet, (and) can help put a fresh face on the government” Duncan said at the Ontario legislature today.
Before supporting Sandra Pupatello, who was one of the front runners to be premier designate, during the Ontario Liberal leadership race, Duncan had already made it clear about his plans to resign.
Former Premier Dalton McGuinty released a statement Thursday morning thanking Duncan for all his years of service.
“Dwight Duncan was the longest serving finance minister in the modern era and Ontario is better for it — stronger, fairer and more prepared for a future of constant change and ever-growing opportunity,” McGuinty said.
Duncan ran against McGuinty in the Liberal Leadership in 1996, but loss. He then became his finance minister.
Duncan hasn’t confirmed or denied his bid for federal office but he did mention during his press interview he would help Justin Trudeau out on his campaign for the federal Liberal leadership
“I am going to be helping Justin out, a lot. I’ve been quite involved, up to date, and I’ll be doing more in the next few weeks,” said Duncan.
Duncan will not elaborate on his future plans until he officially resigns.