Todd Smith resigns as MPP and Ontario education minister [Video]

Ontario Education Minister Todd Smith has announced that he is resigning “effective immediately.”

In a statement posted to social media on Friday morning, the Bay of Quinte MPP said that he has made the “very difficult” decision to leave politics to accept a position in the private sector.

 “I have spoken to Premier Ford and let him know that I am resigning my seat and stepping down from my cabinet duties effective immediately and that I will not be seeking re-election,” he wrote. “I also want to thank Premier Ford for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet for more than six years and for entrusting me with a number of important files.”

Smith served as Ontario’s energy minister for three years before taking over the education portfolio following a cabinet shuffle in June.

He was active in that role as recently as yesterday when he announced a new funding formula for …