Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano to retire from Ontario politics
Romano announced Thursday he won't seek re-election
Ross Romano, the Progressive Conservative MPP for Sault Ste. Marie, is retiring from provincial politics.
In a speech at the Ontario Legislature on Thursday, Romano said he was keeping a promise he made to his wife and two boys that he would not seek re-election so he could spend more time with them.
Romano was first elected in a byelection on June 1, 2017, and became the first Conservative to represent the district in 32 years.
He has held several cabinet positions during his time as an MPP, including as minister of colleges and universities, and minister of government services.
In his speech, he said his goal when he entered provincial politics was to make Sault Ste. Marie a place where people could raise their families and there was enough work available that they would not have to leave the community.
"Our city's population sign is actually going up, not down," he said.
"What was once the community bracing itself against storm clouds of uncertainty has transformed into a place where young people talk about settling down rather than moving away."
He cited investments in Algoma Steel, Tenaris, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation — all major employers in the city — as successes during his time as MPP.
"While I will not be seeking re-election, I will not sit on the sidelines," he said.
"We'll continue to be active and engaged in the growth and the betterment of our city, contributing in new ways and cheering on those who step forward to represent us in the future, because we're not finished. There is still work to do."