Ontario MPP Michael Ford says he won't run in next provincial election
Ford, premier's nephew and cabinet minister, says he wants to 'take on a new chapter' in his life
Ontario MPP Michael Ford says he will not run for office in the next provincial election that is expected to be held in February.
In a statement on Friday, Ford said he has made a decision to "take on a new chapter in my life" and not seek re-election after serving as Ontario's minister of citizenship and multiculturalism and MPP for York South-Weston.
Ford, who is a nephew of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, has also been a Toronto city councillor and a trustee for the Toronto District School Board.
"Serving the people of Toronto and Ontario has been a truly wonderful experience — one that I have not taken for granted," Ford said in the statement.
"I sincerely thank the Premier for the honour to serve on Team Ontario, both in the Legislature and at the Cabinet table. Without question, Ontarians benefit from his dedication and commitment to our province," he said.
"It is also a pivotal moment in time for our province and country, in which his steady and trusted leadership is critically important now more than ever. I look forward to staying actively engaged and doing my part to advance what's best for the city and province that I call home."
The premier said on Friday that he plans to call a snap election on Wednesday, a move that means Ontario residents would go to the polls on Feb. 27.