Official Statement from MPP Steve Clark
Dear Premier Ford,
Since the Integrity Commissioner's report was released, I have continued to reflect on my role and my obligations to the people of Ontario. It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve my constituents and the people of Ontario, and I have always tried to do so in a way that brings integrity and respect to my position as a parliamentarian.
Currently, Ontario is experiencing the most challenging housing crisis our province has ever faced. When I received the Integrity Commissioners report my first instinct was to take responsibility for the mistakes that were made and create a process so that this would never happen again. Thank you for having the confidence in me to be able to correct these issues. I've always tried to fulfill the mandate of getting more homes built so that people across Ontario could realize the dream of finding a place to live, work and raise a family.
However, this crisis demands someone who is not a distraction from the important work that needs to be done. Although my initial thought was that I could stay in this role and establish a proper process so that these mistakes didn't happen again. I realize that my presence will only cause a further distraction from the important work that needs to be done and that I need to take accountability for what has transpired. In a parliamentary democracy, the Parliament is supreme, and the legislature will determine my ultimate reprimand. As someone who has given my life to serving the people through our democratic institutions, I feel that it is my responsibility to adhere to the principles of Ministerial accountability.
As such, please accept my resignation as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. I will continue to serve my constituents as the MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.
Sincerely,
Steve Clark.
