The longest-serving female MPP in Ontario has announced she will not be running in the provincial election next year.
Julia Munro has been a Progressive Conservative member of the legislature for 22 years and says in a release that she's never lost her enthusiasm for public service.
But the MPP for York-Simcoe says she's made the difficult decision not to seek re-election because in any career there comes a time to retire.
“Nobody can do this job alone. I am forever grateful to my family, staff, volunteers, and constituents for their faith and trust in me over the years," said Munro in a press release. "I will not be seeking re-nomination."
Over the years Munro has served in variety of roles including Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier, Deputy Speaker, and a Committee Chair.
“As an MPP, Julia has served in an impressive number of positions that reflect her intelligence and resolve, both in government and opposition. Most recently, she served as Critic for the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, where she succeeded in getting the government to step away from their job-killing payroll tax," said Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown. “I will always remember Julia as one of the most compassionate people I have had the pleasure of working with. She is a superb role model for girls and young women all throughout the province."
Munro says she will serve out the remainder of her term but looks forward to spending more time with her family.
-With files from The Canadian Press
