Eric Hoskins waves to supporters on stage at the Ontario Liberal Leadership convention in Toronto on Saturday, January 26, 2013.Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
One of Premier Kathleen Wynne's top ministers is trying to squelch talk that he's looking to jump ship and run federally.
"To set record straight, I am running for re-election as Member of Provincial Parliament for St. Paul's," Economic Development Minister Eric Hoskins tweeted Friday.
Mr. Hoskins was responding to a hint dropped by federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau in an interview with Farsi-language newspaper Salaam Toronto that he had recruited Mr. Hoskins to join his team.
In a video of Salaam's interview posted online, Mr. Trudeau learns that one of the people in the room works for Mr. Hoskins.
"There may be some news that may keep you busier in the coming while on the federal side of things," Mr. Trudeau replies, smiling. "Keep your ear out – specifically involving Minister Hoskins."
Mr. Hoskins' tweet did not make clear whether he might run federally in future, or if he had considered making the jump and then decided against it. Mr. Hoskins' office said he has "no plans on running for anything other than MPP."
Mr. Hoskins has represented the largely affluent midtown riding of St. Paul's, a Liberal safe seat, since 2009. A medical doctor well known for his work in war zones, Mr. Hoskins ran for the leadership of the provincial Liberal Party last year. He was eliminated on the first ballot and threw his support behind Ms. Wynne.
The provincial Liberals face a possible spring election. They have already seen some turnover on their front bench, with Linda Jeffrey resigning last week to run for mayor of Brampton and two other top ministers saying they will not run in the upcoming election.
Adrian Morrow