Laura Mae Lindo stepping down as Kitchener Centre MPP

Kitchener Centre MPP Laura Mae Lindo has announced she's stepping down as of this summer. 

The local NDP representative said she's moving into a new role with the University of Waterloo's Department of Philosophy in July. 

“I have not taken this decision lightly,” read a statement from Lindo, released on Wednesday. “Rather, due to a number of systemic factors and a need to be more present for my family as we continue our healing after a challenging 2022, it is the time for me [to] transition into a new space to teach about all that I have learned.”

Lindo added that she is proudest of her incorporation of an equity lens into her work at the legislature and has offered colleagues an example of using an anti-oppression and anti-racist starting point in all they do.

She was first elected the MPP for Kitchener Centre in 2018. 

Interim NDP Leader Peter Tabuns thanked Lindo for her work to make Ontario a more just place for everyone, including her work as the chair of the Ontario NDP Black Caucus.

Premier Doug Ford will have six months to call a byelection, and he also has to call a Hamilton Centre byelection in the next few weeks in order to replace former NDP leader Andrea Horwath, who resigned her seat to successfully run for mayor of Hamilton.

– With files from The Canadian Press

Dear Kitchener Centre,

Please see my statement below.

I will be forever grateful for your support.

With love,
Laura Mae. ?? pic.twitter.com/omMYgzpWZf

— Laura Mae Lindo (@LauraMaeLindo) January 18, 2023