Matthews, Sandals Won’t Seek Re-election in 2018

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is losing two of her veteran cabinet ministers.  Deputy Premier Deb Matthews, and Treasury Board President Liz Sandals have both announced they won’t seek re-election in 2018.

Matthews has been in power for 15 years.  She released a statement summarizing her achievements.  “Ontario is a better place than it was in 2003.  I am proud to have been part of that change,” she said.  Matthews served in the Liberal cabinet as Health and Long Term Care Minister, and Minister of Children and Youth Services.  She serves as Deputy Premier and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

Matthews will stay on serving as campaign co-chair for the Ontario Liberals’ 2018 campaign.  “I am confident that, on June 7, 2018 the people of Ontario will give her and her team the mandate to continue to serve,” she said.

It was family that prompted Liz Sandals’ resignation.  “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 will stay on as MPP for Guelph until the election.  She will be devoting more time to her grandchildren.