A Manitoba cabinet minister is leaving politics.
Scott Fielding, the Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development who is also responsible for liquor and lotteries, says he is leaving to pursue opportunities in the private sector, although he did not provide details.
Mr. Fielding previously served as finance minister and was a city councillor in Winnipeg before being elected to the legislature in 2016.
His departure means a by-election will have to be held in the coming months in the Kirkfield Park seat in west Winnipeg.
Premier Heather Stefanson says she thanks Fielding for his service and his portfolios will be handled temporarily by Indigenous Reconciliation Minister Alan Lagimodiere.
Mr. Fielding served on Winnipeg city council from 2006 to 2014.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in cabinet for both Premier Stefanson and the previous leaders of the Progressive Conservative government,” Mr. Fielding said Monday in a prepared statement.
“I am proud to [be] part of the team that was able to balance the budget for the first time in 11 years, lower taxes for Manitobans and manage the economy in a very turbulent time in the province’s history.”
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