Long-serving MPP and newly minted Education Minister Todd Smith resigned his seat, “effective immediately,” in the Ontario Legislature in a surprise announcement Friday morning.

After 13 years representing local interests at Queen’s Park, six of those serving a number of high profile cabinet positions in the Doug Ford government, Mr. Smith says he is leaving political life to enter the private sector.

“I have spoken to Premier Ford to let him know I am resigning my seat and stepping down from cabinet duties,” said Mr. Smith in a statement on X, adding he will not be seeking reelection.

“I have made the very difficult decision to leave politics and accept a position in the private sector.”

Previous to his two-month stint as Education Minister, Mr. Smith spent three years as Ontario’s Minister of Energy. He said it was his dream portfolio, one he had wanted during his time in opposition as well as in government. As MPP, Smith spearheaded Ontario’s shift to building small nuclear reactors and, most recently, announced a program of large investments in wind, solar, and battery storage systems.

It will be up to Premier Ford to lay out a timeline for party nominations and a by-election for the Bay of Quinte riding.

In a statement, Mr. Smith said it had been an honour to be the community’s voice at Queen’s Park, and to work with leaders across our communities to deliver new homes, schools, long-term care facilities, a new humane society, a new YMCA in Belleville and so much more.

“I’m thrilled that one of my final acts as a MPP was to break ground for a new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital in Picton — a project I’ve been championing for over a decade.”

Mr. Smith also thanked his family including wife Tawnya and daughters Payton and Reagan who supported his political endeavours.

“Thank you for your love and support. It hasn’t always been easy. The life of a politician is hard and takes its toll. Especially when I was away from home as often as I’ve been over the past 13 years. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system at home.”

Service to the community

On X, Premier Ford thanked the departing legislator for his years of service to the provincial government and the Conservative Party of Ontario.

“(Todd) leaves politics with a record that he can be incredibly proud of, including and especially fixing the previous government’s energy policies and bringing electricity prices down for hardworking families and businesses. Todd will always be a friend and I can’t wait to watch his every success as he starts this next chapter of his life,” the Premier said.

Shortly after leaving local airwaves to enter politics, Mr. Smith was first elected in 2011. In opposition, he used his booming radio journalist voice in the legislature to champion a number of Prince Edward County-related issues, including the local opposition to industrial wind turbine projects on the South Shore.

Once elected to government with Premier Ford, Mr. Smith delivered. The province cancelled contracts with wind energy developers.

Mayor Steve Ferguson congratulated Mr. Smith on his tenure as the County’s voice at Queen’s Park.

“During his time in office, he championed several important causes for this community, none bigger than the new hospital that we broke ground on last week. He has been a true friend to the municipality for his advocacy against wind turbine development and for the Queen Elizabeth School acquisition. He was always approachable and always engaged in the community,” the Mayor said. “I wish Todd all the best in his future endeavours.”

Athol resident NDP candidate Alison Kelly finished second to Mr. Smith in the 2022 Ontario General Election and thanked him for his many sacrifices to serve the people of Bay of Quinte and Ontario over the last 13 years. “Congratulations to Todd on this new and exciting chapter. I wish him and his family all the fun times and laughter they deserve after a long and successful career.”

Speculation is already rife on the contenders in an important by-election, as players jostle for position in the lead up to the provincial election in 2026. Bonnie Crombie, for example, Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, is currently without a seat in the Legislature.