Christine Elliott will not run in June election, will remain Ontario health minister until spring

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott, one of the high-profile members of Premier Doug Ford's cabinet, says she will not be running in the provincial election in June.

Elliott, the Progressive Conservative MPP for Newmarket-Aurora since 2018, announced her decision at a news conference on Friday morning, alongside Ontario Premier Doug Ford. 

“It is with deep gratitude for my 16 years in public life that I recently shared with Premier Ford I will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming provincial contest in June,” she stated.

“I sought elected office in 2006 because of my strong desire to improve the quality of life of individuals with special needs, as well as mental health challenges. I saw gaps in care and that motivated me to action.”

She said that she would continue in her role as the minister of health until the spring, adding that Ford asked her to remain in the role until then.

Elliott expressed gratitude to the front-line health-care workers persisting in their work amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to Premier Ford for his "leadership" during the health crisis.

“I want to express my profound admiration of and gratitude for all who provide care to Ontarians each and every day. They do so bravely, selflessly, and at great expense to their own personal lives and circumstances,” she said.

“I also want to thank Premier Ford for his strong leadership guiding Ontario through this crisis and keeping Ontarians safe, as well as my colleagues and friends in our caucus and cabinet.”

Ford spoke at the news conference on Friday morning, saying that not only was Elliott a colleague to him, but also a “close personal friend."

"From the day we got elected, she's been shoulder-to-shoulder with me, side-by-side. We've been connected at the hip for the last two years throughout this pandemic. I couldn't ask for a better person, better friend, and leader, someone with integrity," Ford told reporters.

"She was at the top of the list to serve as deputy premier and minister of health, posts she has held since the day we were sworn in and will continue to do so until the election. I'm sad in one way, but I'm happy for Christine as well. Our friendship means more than anything to both of us."

“Christine has been by my side since the start of the pandemic. She remains instrumental in helping steer Ontario through one of the most difficult periods in our province’s history … I will continue to rely on her advice and counsel.”

Elliott said she has no doubt that “the people of Ontario” will vote for the Ford government to return to office after the June election to “continue the critical work of protecting Ontarians’ health and safety, while recovering from the pandemic.”

“I am truly thankful for the journey I have taken in public life and am looking forward to what the next chapter will bring,” she said.