Ontario MPP Michael Ford has announced that he will be taking a leave of absence from his position in the provincial cabinet.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ford, who represents the riding of Etobicoke North, cited personal reasons for his decision to step away from his role as the Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.
“I have made the difficult decision to take a leave of absence from my duties as a member of the provincial cabinet,” Ford said in the statement.
“I have always been committed to serving the people of Ontario to the best of my abilities, but at this time, I need to focus on my personal well-being and family.”
Ford did not specify how long his leave of absence will be, but assured that he will continue to serve his constituents in Etobicoke North.
“I want to assure the people of Etobicoke North that I will continue to work hard on their behalf and represent their interests in the legislature,” he said.
Ford’s leave of absence comes just a few months after he was appointed to his cabinet position in June of this year.
Premier Doug Ford, who is also Michael Ford’s uncle, expressed his support for his nephew’s decision.
“I fully support Michael’s decision to take a leave of absence to focus on his personal well-being and family,” Premier Ford said in a statement.
“I know he will continue to serve his constituents with the same dedication and passion that he has always shown.”
In the meantime, the responsibilities of the Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction will be temporarily taken over by Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria.
Ford’s leave of absence from cabinet will not affect his role as a member of the provincial legislature.
