Nearly a month into the scandal that has absorbed almost all the attention put on the Government of Ontario, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark announced on Labour Day that he was resigning from cabinet. Even though it was less than a week ago that Clark said that he could continue in cabinet despite the damning indictments of both the Auditor General and the Integrity Commissioner, he’s now had a change of heart.

“As someone who has given my life to serving the people through our democratic institutions, it is my responsibility to adhere to the principles of Ministerial accountability,” Clark said in a Twitter post Monday morning where he shared his resignation letter.

In the letter, Clark explained that he’s been reflecting on his role and his obligations to Ontarians, and while he wanted to take responsibility and fix the mistakes he’s made, his continued presence in cabinet is distracting the government from acting on the housing crisis.

“Although my initial thought was that I could stay in this role and establish a proper process so that these mistakes don’t happen again, I realize that my presence will only cause a further distraction from the important work that needs to be done and that I need to take accountability for what has transpired,” Clark said in the letter. “I will continue to serve my constituents as the MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.”

“Thank you @SteveClarkPC for your years of service in Cabinet,” Ford said in response to Clark’s resignation. “As Ontario grows, our government is on a mission to build at least 1.5 million homes. […] Because there’s still more to do as our government keeps building the homes our growing province needs. As we do, I have no doubt@SteveClarkPC will continue to serve his community well as an important part of our team at Queen’s Park.”

Opposition leaders were happy to accept Clark’s resignation, but some now have their eyes on bigger fish. “Steve Clark is finally taking some responsibility for his role in the government’s Greenbelt scandal. […] Now it’s time for Doug Ford to face the music,” said Official Opposition leader Marit Stiles in a statement. “Recall the legislature so we can restore these lands to the Greenbelt; and give Ontarians the transparency and accountability they deserve from a Premier.”

Guelph MPP and Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner agreed saying that that Clark’s departure was inevitable, and while it’s a step in the right direction towards accountability, the Greenbelt is still under threat from bad process that only resulted in wealthy developers making more money.

“The people of Ontario deserve honest answers to how a corrupt process could lead to $8.3 billion in windfall profits for wealthy, Ford-connected insiders. That is why the Ontario Greens continue to call for the protection of all Greenbelt lands and for an independent, public inquiry into Ford’s $8.3 billion Greenbelt giveaway,” Schreiner said in his statement.

“The days of deflecting, denying and delaying are over. The Premier keeps assuring us the buck stops with him. It’s time for him to step up and prove it.”

Clark was first elected to the legislature in 2010 in a byelection, and he’s served as the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing since the beginning of the first PC government term in June 2018.