NDP MPP Joe Cimino resigns seat: cites family, health issues

Joe Cimino, the New Democrat MPP for Sudbury, says he will resign from his position at the end of Thursday.

In a statement, Cimino said he made the decision after much reflection and thought.

"I have been asked several times in the past how I was able to balance my public obligations as a city councillor with my family life," he said in a Thursday press release.

"Even though it was difficult to do, I was able to be there for my young children, wife and extended family while still serving my community with complete dedication. Unfortunately the pendulum has swung too far to one side in the last several months. Simply, for my personal health wellness, and more importantly the well being of my family I must resign my seat in the Provincial Legislature."

[Cimino] is a dedicated husband and father to two young daughters.- NDP leader Andrea Horwath

Cimino said he maintains full support for New Democratic values and the work that NDP leader Andrea Horwath and the NDP caucuses are doing at Queen's Park.

In a statement, Horwath said it's with great sadness that Cimino is resigning.

"I know this is a tough decision, but Joe is doing what's best for his personal health and well-being of his family," she said.

"He's been a valuable member of our caucus, a local champion for his community, and is a dedicated husband and father to two young daughters."

Cimino's local colleague, Nickel Belt NDP MPP France Gelinas, also expressed her support.

"All I can tell you is that if I was living the same circumstances that Joe is living, I would make the same decision that he has made," she told CBC News on Thursday.

Cimino was elected as the Provincial Member of Parliament in the June 12 election.

Before that, he was a city councillor in Greater Sudbury.

Acting provincial NDP Sudbury riding association president Nina Kitts said losing someone like Cimino is not a good thing.

"I'm not going to say it's happy news. We were happy with Joe in his position, we were excited about the work he was going to be doing," she said.

"So to lose an MPP we were excited about is never a good thing. But I think we understand. Everybody's got their own decisions to make, based on their family and their health. We wish him nothing but the best."

Kitts said the NDP is confident is will hold on to the seat.

"I think Sudbury knows we work really hard for them."

According to Elections Ontario, a by-election must be called within six months of the Chief Electoral Officer's receipt of the warrant calling for the issue of the writ. That warrant is issued after the MPP has resigned or vacated his position.