Ontario Education Minister Todd Smith has announced his resignation, effective immediately.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Smith stated that he has made the decision to step down from his role as Education Minister and as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Bay of Quinte.
Smith, who has held the position of Education Minister since June 2019, did not provide a specific reason for his resignation. However, he did express his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the role.
“I am grateful for the trust and confidence that Premier Doug Ford has placed in me to lead the Ministry of Education,” Smith said in his statement.
During his time as Education Minister, Smith oversaw several significant changes to the education system in Ontario, including the implementation of a new math curriculum and the introduction of a standardized online learning platform.
Smith also faced criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in schools, with some parents and educators calling for stricter safety measures and more support for remote learning.
In his statement, Smith acknowledged the challenges faced by the education sector during the pandemic and thanked the education community for their hard work and dedication.
“I want to thank the students, parents, teachers, and education workers for their resilience and adaptability during these unprecedented times,” Smith said.
Premier Doug Ford has yet to announce who will replace Smith as Education Minister. In the meantime, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott will take on the role in an interim capacity.
Smith’s resignation comes just months before the next provincial election, which is set to take place in June 2022. It is unclear at this time if he will continue to serve as an MPP until then.
The news of Smith’s resignation has been met with surprise and speculation, with some political analysts suggesting that it could be a strategic move by the Ford government ahead of the election.
For now, the focus remains on the future of the education system in Ontario and who will take on the important role of Education Minister.
