How the big news dump is rippling out
Also: Bill 60 goes for Round II at committee, Rickford's staff shakeup, Jama swearing-in, Mitzie watch, Bethlenfalvy kicks off budget debate, fiscal mystery solved
ABOVE THE FOLD
Lots of #onpoli action over the weekend. Let’s untangle Friday’s big news dump:
FULLERTON’S FAREWELL — “We did not see it coming.” That’s how one staffer in the Premier’s Office described MERRILEE FULLERTON’s shocking resignation.
In her own words (or not): Fullerton’s formal farewell letter — posted to Twitter — was light on details, fuelling speculation about her departure. In it, she said she “spoke with the Premier” and would resign as the MPP for Kanata—Carleton and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services immediately. “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve Ontarians as a member of provincial parliament and cabinet minister over the past five years.”
But, but, but: Our sources say there’s no whiff of a scandal. After announcing her exit, they recalled that Fullerton seemed “disengaged” recently. Two folks told us Fullerton’s family is also dealing with health issues.
Not helping: Hot-potato portfolios were Fullerton’s territory, wheth…