A familiar face plans to step down from the provincial political arena.
In a written statement issued to the media on Oct. 6 Guelph MPP Liz Sandals stated, “When the 2018 election arrives, I will have spent 30 years in elected office and have celebrated my 70th birthday.
“After a summer of discussion with my husband and children, I have made the difficult decision to retire – and so I will not be running in the next provincial election.”
Sandals intends to continue to serve as MPP until the end of the term.
“This was a challenging decision to make because while I’m ready to be a full-time grandmother, I’ve never had more faith in Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Ontario Liberal Party,” she said.
Sandals thanked Wynne and former Premier Dalton McGuinty.
“I admire, respect and care about both of them immensely. Their leadership has helped Ontario grow and prosper, and their faith in me has let me be a part of that good work.”
Over the past 30 years, Sandals has served as a school board trustee, president of the Ontario Public School Boards association, an MPP and Minister of Education.
‘Absolute privilege’
“To the people of Guelph: you have honoured me by sending me to Queen’s Park over four consecutive elections to serve as your MPP,” said Sandals.
“It has been an absolute privilege to represent you for the last 14 years, and I’m so proud to have fought for our community for so many years.”
She added, “I look forward to morning coffee with my husband and more trips for ice cream with my grandchildren.”
Wynne later issued a statement thanking Sandals for her service to the people of Ontario, stating Sandals “is one of the most competent, caring people I’ve ever worked with.”
