The Premier's Office issued a press release Tuesday stating Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor has resigned. Craitor has represented the riding of Niagara Falls since the Liberals took power in 2003; before that, he served as alderman on Niagara Falls city council. In Craitor's parliamentary career he served in <a href="http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_detail.do?locale=en&amp;ID=2129&amp;detailPage=members_detail_career">a variety of Parliamentary Assistant roles</a>.
“While it is never a good time to leave, after ten very productive and rewarding years, now I need to put my health and family first," Craitor said in a news release.
“The job of being the Provincial Member of Parliament has been an immensely satisfying job. I was extremely proud and particularly honoured to have been elected 3 times to represent the people of Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake and in the first term the people in Thorold-South. I want to thank them very much for their support and encouragement over the years. Together we have done many great things. I also want to thank Premier Wynne, the people in the Premier’s office and the Liberal Party, both provincially and locally for helping me make things happen. I also want to mention and thank the support, hard work and loyalty of the staff I that have enjoyed over the last 10 years.”
According to the premier's release Craitor's resignation is effective immediately and a byelection will be held within six months as the law requires.
“Kim Craitor spent over 20 years in public life and I want to thank him and his family for the time, energy and effort he's given over the decades,” NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said in a statement.
“While we didn't always agree, no one can question Kim Craitor's dedication to his community and the people of Niagara Falls. I want to extend my regards and the regards of my caucus to Kim Craitor as he resigns his seat and wish him the best in his future."

Happening: Kim Craitor resigns

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