Michael Gravelle MPP for the riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North has announced that he is retiring from politics, just over a month from the next general election.
"To say that this was a difficult decision is a massive understatement, as I had hoped and planned to continue to represent my constituents at Queen's Park. However, my health and the treatments I need to undergo in the months ahead have made that plan impossible," Gravelle stated.
Gravelle was first elected in 1995 and has been re-elected in every election since. He was last elected in 2018 against odd where the Ontario liberals were tossed from office after 14 years. He was the only Liberal MPP to be elected outside of Toronto and Ottawa.
"It has been an enormous honour and privilege to be your MPP for the past 27 years. Despite my decision today, I am proud of the many accomplishments I have been able to achieve during my time in office.; including the four laning of the highway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon, the first-ever Northern Law School here at Lakehead University, providing access to insulin pumps for Type 2 diabetics, and many other improvements to the communities in my riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North," He stated.
In early April, Gravelle announced that he was diagnosed with cancer after years of being in remission.
The Ontario Liberal MPP becomes the 22nd elected official to announce their departure from politics before the June 2nd election.