KanataCarleton MPPMerrilee Fullerton resigns

Progressive Conservative MPP forKanataCarletonMerrilee Fullerton isresigning.

Theformer minister ofchildren, community and social services was first elected in the 2018 Ontario election.

Fullerton announced herresignationFriday afternoon in a tweet andattached a resignation letterin which she expressedappreciation to Premier Doug Ford, her cabinet colleagues and constituents.

"I am grateful to the constituents of Kanata and West Carleton who have supported me in my efforts to improve the lives of others," Fullerton wrote in her resignation letter. "It has been an honour to represent KanataCarleton in the Ontario legislature."

Fullerton did not immediately give a reason for her resignation, and her office did notcomment inresponse to a question from CBC.

Fullerton firstwon the KanataCarleton riding in 2018 with more than 43 per cent ofthe vote. She was re-elected in 2022 with a nearly identical share of popular support.

In office, Fullerton has held three cabinet positions:minister of training, colleges and universities, minister of long-term care and two terms as minister of children, community and social services.

The premier's office namedAuroraOak RidgesRichmond Hill MPP Michael ParsaasFullerton's replacement as minister of children, community and social services.

Fullerton oversaw the Ministry of Long-Term Care through nearly two years of theCOVID-19 pandemic,starting in June 2019.

During news conferences at the time, Fullerton oftenblamed chronic underfunding by previous governments for COVID-related deathsin long-term care.

Before politics, Fullerton practised as a medical doctor in Ottawa and served on the city's board of health.