ST. THOMAS—Steve Peters, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, issued the following statement today with respect to his political future:

“After twenty-two years of elected service at the local and provincial level on behalf of the people of St. Thomas and the broader community of Elgin-Middlesex-London, I have decided that it is time for a change in career when my current term in office expires. Accordingly, I have informed the local riding association President and the Premier that I will not be seeking re-election next fall.

I take this decision with great anticipation about life after politics but an even greater sense of gratitude to the people in this community. It has been a tremendous privilege to work on their behalf for more than two decades. To serve as Alderman, Mayor, MPP, Minister of Agriculture and Food, Minister of Labour and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. But I have always relied on my instincts to guide me. Those instincts tell me that now is the right time for me, personally, to make a change.

For many years, I have thought about pursuing my interests in education and business. Public responsibilities have delayed that effort. When this term ends however, I will be forty-eight years old. If ever I’m to start a second career in the private sector now is the time.

During my years as an elected official I’ve been fortunate to take part in many achievements made possible by working together with others. As Mayor, we created the green bin program, improved relations between St. Thomas and the County of Elgin and attracted investments and jobs to the region. As an MPP and Minister we’ve been able to create the Renewable Fuels Standard for ethanol that boosts income for farm families, to attract IGPC to the riding, provide unprecedented funding for municipal infrastructure, open new schools, bring forward legislation to better support our firefighters and make historic investments into the Elgin County Courthouse. As Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, I’ve made it my personal mission to promote locally-grown produce, beer and wine as well as ensuring native Ontario horticulture graces the grounds of Queen’s Park.

It will not be easy to walk away from elected life and service on behalf of the best community in the province. I will continue to sit as MPP and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario until next fall’s election and I will seek ways to remain involved after then in the life of our community. Simply said, it has been a tremendous honour. I want to thank the people of Elgin-Middlesex-London for the humbling privilege to serve.”

PREMIER’S STATEMENT ON STEVE PETERS

NEWS
November 9, 2010

Premier Dalton McGuinty released the following statement:

“Steve Peters has informed me that he does not intend to seek re-election as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London.

I want to thank Steve for all his good work on behalf of his constituents, our government and the people of Ontario.

Steve first joined us at Queen’s Park in 1999, but his record of public service goes all the way back to 1988, when he was elected as an Alderman in St. Thomas.

Steve’s energy is as infectious as it is limitless. He has always been a strong and forceful advocate for Ontario food and all the good things that our farmers grow and produce. He also brought that energy and determination to his efforts to improve Ontario’s food safety system — changes that protect our families today.

His deep passion and sense of fairness was on display when he legislated an end to mandatory retirement in Ontario, and he was also a driving force behind extending presumptive coverage for our firefighters. That same ingrained principle of fairness guides Steve today as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario where he champions the rules of democratic debate.

Steve has always embodied the very best of what public service is all about, and I am very grateful for his contribution. I want to wish Steve well as he takes the next step in his career and moves on to new challenges.”