TORONTO) - Cabinet minister Monique Smith says she won't be seeking re-election when Ontario voters head to the polls next year.
Smith, who is both intergovernmental affairs minister and government house leader, says she will stay on until the election next October.
She has represented the northern riding of Nipissing since 2003 after serving as Premier Dalton McGuinty's chief of staff when he was Opposition leader.
She was elevated to cabinet in 2007, serving as revenue minister and then tourism minister.
McGuinty has said that he shared a special bond with Smith because they both took over the ridings their late fathers represented.
Smith is the latest Liberal to announce she's not seeking re-election. Speaker Steve Peters -- a former labour minister -- is also calling it quits.
"Since my election in 2003 I have had the privilege to serve the people of Nipissing as their representative and to work with countless dedicated individuals as we strive to improve the quality of life for the people of Nipissing," Smith said in a statement.
"I am extremely proud of all that we have been able to accomplish together over the last seven years."
