Premier’s Statement on Brad Duguid

Premier Kathleen Wynne issued the following statement today thanking Brad Duguid for his service to the people of Ontario:

Brad is a connector. The kind of person who can strike up a conversation with anyone and reach across political lines or bridge differing opinions to build relationships and consensus. It has made him so skilled at his job as a Minister and MPP for the last 14 years and it’s one of the reasons why I will personally miss having him on our team.

Of course, Brad’s dedication to public service and to the people of Scarborough-Centre reaches back much farther than his time in provincial politics. Brad started his political career in 1994 as a Scarborough municipal councillor and, after amalgamation, he was re-elected as a Toronto city councillor in 1997 and 2000. That local perspective is one he has always brought to the table and I have truly appreciated the way he looks at every policy we discuss through the eyes of the people he represents.

That’s especially true of Brad’s work as Minister of Economic Development and Growth where he has collaborated creatively and tirelessly with businesses both at home and abroad to bring more jobs to Ontario. Brad took the helm of this crucial file during our province’s recovery from the recession with an unfailing positivity about what our province was capable of achieving – and he’s leaving it in the best possible position. Ontario’s unemployment rate is at historic lows and our economy is now one of the strongest in Canada and across the G7 nations.

Brad has traveled extensively to tell our story to the world, whether it was helping to secure investments on our last mission to China or fighting for Ontario workers and businesses in the face of “Buy American” legislation in New York State. It’s the kind of job and career that comes with a high degree of personal sacrifice and I know those factors weigh heavily each and every time someone considers whether or not to run for office.

Brad has been in public service for longer than his sons, Kennedy and Jordan, have been alive. I know that in recent years, he has had opportunity to reflect on his priorities in life and I can appreciate that for him, his wife Crystal, and their family this was a difficult but mutual decision. I have no doubt that Brad will be successful in whatever path he chooses to take next. I know I will miss his energy and positive outlook and I wish him the very best of luck in the future.