Charlene Johnson: Tories 'not a sinking ship'
Eleven years ago, Charlene Johnson entered politics as the youngest woman ever elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature.
On Friday, Johnson leaves her job as the province's finance minister and will return to private life.
Johnson confirmed Thursday that she is resigning from politics to put a full-time focus on her family. She's moving to southeast Asia where her husband works.
Johnson told reporters that it wasn't easy being a mother — and the minister of one of the largest departments in government.
"I'm off to do the best job in the world, and that's to be a stay-at-home mom," she said.
Move has been in works for a year
Johnson said the move has been planned for more than a year, and now that she and Premier Tom Marshall have finalized the pension reform deal, it was time to go.
"I wanted to stay and see this through," Johnson said.
"My daughter is starting kindergarten, and I was willing to let her be a little late for school. But there's always a balance we've tried to achieve, but because he [Premier Marshall] was so dedicated to this, I wanted to stay and see it through."
I hope people realize all the wonderful things this government has done. I don't see it as a sinking ship.- Charlene Johnson
Marshall said he is grateful to Johnson.
"She took the lead on it and she did just phenomenal outstanding work," he said.
Johnson's resignation on Thursday afternoon came just hours after Justice Minister Terry French announced he was quitting politics.
The resignations happened only one day after a CRA pinion poll showed a drop in support for the provincial Progressive Conservatives.
Johnson, however, said she thinks things can be turned around for the party.
"I think there's lots of time to convince the public that we can still govern. We are governing and we should continue to govern. I hope people realize all the wonderful things this government has done. I don't see it as a sinking ship," she said.
The premier said he's not planning a cabinet shuffle in light of Johnson's resignation. He will appoint an interim minister.
Don't count out the Tories: MHA
Calvin Peach, a Tory backbencher and the MHA for Bellevue, said the Tory party is still in the fight.
Peach said despite recent setbacks, including resignations and byelection losses, the party's spirits are still high.
"Well you know, we've got an election coming up next weekend and we're still in a good mood, and we're in election mode after that," Peach told CBC News.
"And when we get the new leader, we'll run together with the leader and we'll establish as strong as ever. You know, we're doing good things for the province."