Two GTA Liberal cabinet ministers and an Eastern Ontario MPP have announced they will not run for re-election in June. International Trade Minister Michael Chan, 66, who represents Markham, and Government and Consumer Affairs Minister Tracy MacCharles, 54, the Pickering-Scarborough East MPP, are retiring.Joining them is Liberal MPP Grant Crack, 55, who has represented Glengarry-Prescott-Russell since 2011.Read more: Feds could pay carbon tax revenues directly to Ontarians, minister saysWynne stops plan to appoint St. Paul’s candidateKathleen Wynne blasts Doug Ford as a ‘bulldozer’ in a china shop in post-budget speechThe departure of three MPPs is a blow to Premier Kathleen Wynne and comes nine weeks before the election.But each said Thursday they are leaving for personal — not political — reasons.“While this was not an easy decision, it was a necessary one that will allow me to focus on some health concerns that have recently developed,” said Chan, who was first elected in 2003.MacCharles said it “pains” her to have to leave politics.“As many know, I have been facing health challenges over the past year. I have come to the realization that I would not be able to bring the full energy and drive to this campaign that my constituents deserve from their candidates and representatives,” she said. “This is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make but I have concluded that this is what is best for my constituents, my health and my family.”Crack — whose riding abuts the Quebec border, had confided in friends that being a five-hour drive from home was becoming a grind — said he advised Wynne earlier this year of his own “difficult decision.”“After careful consideration and heartfelt discussions with my family, I concluded that the time is right to seek out other career opportunities,” he said, stressing he will help the Liberals hold the k ...
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