McGuinty's resignation shocks Northern Ont. politicians

Northern Ontario politicians are reacting to the premier's decision to resign and to prorogue the legislature.

Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci said he's privileged to have worked in Dalton McGuinty's cabinet and considers McGuinty "to be an incredible friend of Sudbury and northern Ontario."

Bartolucci’s words were echoed by Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle, who was also in McGuinty's cabinet. He said McGuinty showed a lot of trust in him and did a lot for northern Ontario.

The premier’s news came as a shock, Gravelle said, and saddened him.

"I am almost broken-hearted," Gravelle said. "I have felt tremendous amount and level of confidence in Premier McGuinty. It's difficult to imagine the future without the premier there."

'Bills have died'

Bartolucci said McGuinty gave several reasons for his resignation — including spending more time with family and the need to refocus.

McGuinty decision to prorogue the legislature was a good one, Bartolucci said, noting he didn’t think "the house over the course of the last few weeks was productive."

But Progressive Conservative Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said he doesn't agree. The decision to prorogue means MPPs will not be in the house until the legislature resumes.

"All of the bills that are in existence have died," Fedeli said.

New Democrat Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson said proroguing the legislature was not the best decision for Ontarians.

"So the government is essentially taking a pass on the responsibility of doing what the people have sent us here to do."

The Liberal's Gravelle said now is the time to pay proper tribute to McGuinty. He said he won't speculate at this point on the leadership options for the Ontario Liberal party.

It's not known when the legislature will resume.