Oda made the announcement on her website Tuesday, saying that she informed Prime Minister Stephen Harper of her decision two weeks ago.
Her resignation takes effect on July 31.
“For over eight years, it has been an honour and privilege to have served the constituents in Clarington, Scugog and Uxbridge,” Oda said in the press release posted to her website Tuesday.
“As the Minister for International Co-operation, I have had the opportunity to witness the hardships of the world’s most vulnerable peoples and have witnessed the great compassion of Canadians for those in need,” Oda said.
“I am grateful for the support of my staff and colleagues in the House of Commons and Senate. I wish to express my appreciation to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet for their outstanding leadership,” said Oda.
The minister responsible for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) landed herself in hot water recently when it was revealed that she had upgraded from a five-star hotel to an even fancier one while attending a conference in London, England last year.
She also expensed a $16 glass of orange juice and nearly $3,000 to be driven around the city in a luxury car.
Oda reimbursed the taxpayers for the extra money but has not explained why she made the switch.
She has also stayed silent on why some of the travel and hospitality expenses for other trips were amended after they were posted to the proactive disclosure section of the CIDA website.
Oda was elected in 2004 and has been the minister for international development since 2007.
Her resignation will bolster speculation that Harper is preparing to shuffle his cabinet again this summer.
Harper issued a press release Tuesday that confirmed Oda had informed him of her choice two weeks ago.
“Under Bev’s guidance, Canada has led a significant initiative to save the lives of mothers, children and newborns in the developing world. Bev has also promoted accountability and effectiveness for Canada’s aid programs and has championed high-profile efforts to respond to humanitarian tragedies in Haiti, Pakistan and the Horn of Africa. Through Bev’s leadership, Canada has also met, ahead of schedule, its commitment to double aid to Africa. This is a record of which to be proud,” Harper said in the statement emailed to media Tuesday.
Original Article
Source: the star
Author: Joanna Smith
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