Bill Morneau Resigns As Federal Finance Minister
OTTAWA – 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 press 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.
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.