Suze Morrison announces she will not seek re-election

QUEEN’S PARK — MPP Suze Morrison (Toronto Centre) announced Monday that she will not seek re-election in June in order to better manage her endometriosis. Morrison released the following statement:

“With the greatest mix of emotions, I want to share with you that I have made the difficult decision not to run in the June election.

Standing alongside Andrea Horwath, the NDP caucus, and the incredible people of Toronto Centre — and standing up to Doug Ford’s cuts — has been the greatest privilege of my life. But I need to step back for my health. I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2019. My pain has worsened over the past two years. I’m doing well, but being an MPP is a demanding role and I need to slow down for a while and get my pain under control.

Endometriosis impacts one in 10 of us. It’s a disorder that can be debilitating, as painful growths spread around the ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissue. It can lead to infertility. People with endometriosis can live full, active lives and have great careers, and I plan to get my health on track so I’m able to do just that. This past year I worked closely with Marit Stiles to declare March as Endometriosis Awareness Month. It was a personal and important fight for me, and I’ll continue to work for awareness, and great health care for people with endometriosis.

I want to thank my wonderful partner Trevor, whose support, love and good humour is unwavering, as well as my chosen family who have given me so much strength. And I want to give a bottom-of-my-heart thank you to Andrea Horwath, the NDP caucus and my local team. Together we have accomplished so much, and I’m especially proud of what we have done for Toronto Centre families. Locally, we fought to save the foundry from Ford’s wrecking ball. We fought for an eviction ban during the worst of the pandemic. We introduced new legislation to improve access to gender-affirming health care.

While I’m stepping back, I’m staying engaged with our progressive movement. We know that an NDP government led by Andrea Horwath is on the way — and that’s giving millions of people so much hope. I cannot wait to nominate a new candidate to represent Toronto Centre in that government, and support them wholeheartedly throughout this campaign.”