TORONTO - Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced Monday he was stepping down as Liberal party leader and adjourning the legislature. Here are some quotes following the announcement:
"It’s time for renewal, it’s time for the next Liberal premier, it’s time for the next set of Liberal ideas to guide our province forward. To that end, I spoke with the president of our party and asked that he convene a leadership convention at the earliest possible opportunity." Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.
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"Our two governments have worked together to serve Ontarians, from implementing Canada's Economic Action Plan to keeping the auto industry in the province of Ontario, and I salute Mr. McGuinty's many years of dedicated public service. On a personal level, I extend to Mr. McGuinty my very best wishes for all his future endeavours." Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
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"I have never doubted his sincere commitment to the people in this great province of Ontario, and I thank him for his service." Conservative Leader Tim Hudak.
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"For the last twenty two years, Mr. McGuinty has shown a deep and abiding commitment to public service and public life. In his nine years as Premier, Mr. McGuinty has made Ontario a global leader in education by introducing full-day kindergarten and by making post-secondary education more accessible and affordable than ever before." Liberal Leader Bob Rae.
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"Premier McGuinty served the people of Ontario well for sixteen years as a statesman, a fierce defender of his province and a leader in confederation. Our most recent conversations focused on Alberta and Ontario’s partnership and a shared interest in the growth and prosperity of Canada. Over the past year I have truly benefited from his views and opinions. I consider Premier McGuinty a valuable colleague as well as a friend.” Premier Alison Redford.
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"Premier McGuinty exercised real foresight in pledging support for a number of key industries, particularly the auto industry during the time of crisis. The province would have experienced dramatic and lasting mass unemployment without these efforts, and Ontarians do owe him a debt of gratitude in this regard." CAW National President Ken Lewenza.
