David Orazietti resigns as Sault MPP, Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister

David Orazietti, Ontario's Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and Sault Ste. Marie MPP, is stepping away from politics.

Orazietti made his announcement at a media conference on Friday afternoon.

"I first and foremost would like to thank the people of Sault Ste. Marie for supporting me through four elections and for giving me the honour and privilege of bringing their voice to the provincial legislature for more than 13 years," Orazietti said in a statement.

Orazietti cited family matters as the reason for leaving.

"A career in politics comes with many sacrifices. As time goes on, it has become increasingly difficult for me to make these sacrifices and be away from home," Orazietti said. 

"My wife Jane, our children and our extended family have been incredibly supportive and understanding of the commitment that political life brings."

'A strong political leader': Sault Ste. Marie's mayor

Orazietti's announcement was unexpected, but not surprising, said the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie.

"I'm not surprised because I think that a career in politics requires a lot of sacrifice," Christian Provenzano told CBC News on Friday after Orazietti's announcement.

"It requires a lot of personal sacrifice of personal time and family time."

Provenzano said that it is understandable that Orazietti would make the choice he did, given the amount of travel involved in his job.

"He did a tremendous amount for Sault Ste. Marie," he said. "We also have to recognize though that it is a loss, he's a strong political leader and he's an incredibly strong advocate."

Premier Kathleen Wynne thanks Orazietti

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne thanked her departing minister and MPP Friday afternoon.

"I want to thank David Orazietti for 13 years of dedication and leadership on behalf of the people of Sault Ste. Marie, and people all across Ontario," she was quoted as saying in a press release.

"At the cabinet table, David was a strong voice for Northern Ontario."

Orazietti became the minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services earlier in 2016. He previously served as the Minister of Government and Consumer Services and as Minister of Natural Resources.

His resignation as a minister is effective immediately. He will officially step down as MPP for the riding of Sault Ste. Marie on December 31.

Orazietti was not made available for interviews on Friday after his press conference.

'First in a long line of Liberal MPPs who will jump ship': Ontario PC leader

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath also congratulated Orazietti for his service. 

"While we didn't always see eye-to-eye on matters of policy, I respect his commitment to his constituents and to his community," Horwath said.

"We wish David the very best in his future projects."

Meanwhile, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party is hoping Sault Ste. Marie lawyer and city councillor, Ross Romano, will take over Orazietti's seat. 

"This upcoming by-election in Sault Ste. Marie will be an opportunity to send Premier Kathleen Wynne a strong message," Romano said in a statement,

"Minister Orazietti's resignation is a reflection of the tired, self-interested government that has held onto power for 13 long years," Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown added. 

"This is the first in a long line of Liberal MPPs who will jump ship before the 2018 election."