Finance Minister Bill Morneau. (File photo/CPAC)
Bill Morneau announced his resignation as federal finance minister and Toronto Centre MP at a news conference late Monday evening.
“It has never been my plan to run in more than two federal election cycles,” said Morneau at a news conference in which he mostly touted Liberal economic successes. “As we move to the next phase of our fight against the pandemic and pave the road towards economic recovery, we must recognize that this process will take many years. It’s the right time for a new finance minister to deliver on that plan.”
The resignation comes amid the controversy over the federal government giving WE Charity a contract to manage a $912-million student-volunteer grant program. Many were outraged when it came to light that both Prime Minister Trudeau and Morneau have personal connections to the organization.
In July, the Ethics Commissioner opened an investigation into the matter. Opposition parties have been calling for both men’s resignations since the scandal broke.
Morneau said Monday evening that reports he did not disclose the repayment of a $41,000 travel bill subsidized for WE did not play into his decision to resign.
In a written statement, Trudeau praised Morneau for his time as Finance Minister and thanked him for his time in the role.
“Today, I spoke with Bill Morneau and accepted his resignation,” wrote Trudeau. “Since the day he was first elected and became Canada’s Finance Minister nearly five years ago, Bill has worked relentlessly to support all Canadians and create a resilient, fair economy that benefits everyone. Under his leadership, Canada developed a strong economy with one of the best balance sheets in the G7…”
Morneau is hoping to become Secretary General for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Trudeau said his government “vigorously supports” Morneau’s bid for the position.
Outgoing Conservative leader Andrew Scheer says Morneau’s resignation is further proof of a “government in chaos.”
“At a time when Canadians are worried about their health and their finances, Justin Trudeau’s government is so consumed by scandal that Trudeau has amputated his right hand to try and save himself,” said Scheer in a series of tweets.
Derek Montague is a reporter with Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
With files from Ben Burnett and Brad Perry.
