Ontario politics is set for another major shake-up as Caroline Mulroney announced she is stepping away from public office, resigning from Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet and vacating her seat as MPP for York—Simcoe next month.
Mulroney, who currently serves as Ontario’s president of the Treasury Board and minister of Francophone Affairs, revealed the decision in a heartfelt letter posted to social media Monday morning. She confirmed that she informed Premier Ford of her decision on Sunday and will officially step down on June 5.
In her message, Mulroney reflected on the deeply personal reasons behind her departure, pointing to major life changes over the past two years that helped shape her decision to leave elected politics after nearly a decade in government.
She spoke about the passing of her father two years ago and becoming an empty nester with her husband Andrew last year, describing those moments as life-changing experiences that clarified her priorities and inspired her to begin what she called an “exciting new chapter.”
Mulroney has been one of the most recognizable figures in the Ontario Progressive Conservative government since first being elected in 2018. During her time in cabinet, she held several high-profile portfolios, including attorney general, minister of transportation, and Treasury Board president.
Premier Ford praised Mulroney’s leadership and contributions to the province, calling her both a trusted colleague and a close personal friend. In a statement released Monday, Ford credited Mulroney for helping secure a historic transit funding agreement that paved the way for one of the largest public transit expansions in North America.
He also highlighted her role in maintaining disciplined fiscal management while continuing investments in frontline services and strengthening Ontario’s Francophone community.
Ford acknowledged that Mulroney’s departure would leave a significant void around the cabinet table, adding that politics remains deeply rooted in her family legacy and suggesting her influence within conservative politics would likely continue in some capacity in the future.
Mulroney is the daughter of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, one of Canada’s most influential Conservative leaders, and has long been viewed as a prominent figure within both provincial and national conservative circles.
Her resignation now opens the door for a provincial byelection in York—Simcoe and could trigger further cabinet adjustments within the Ford government in the weeks ahead.
Premier Ford confirmed that Peter Bethlenfalvy will temporarily assume Mulroney’s Treasury Board responsibilities on an interim basis following her departure.
Mulroney’s exit comes at a time when Ontario’s political landscape is already undergoing significant change, with several high-profile resignations, leadership speculation and shifting party dynamics continuing to dominate the provincial scene.