Surprised: Council reacts to McGuinty's resignation

Dalton McGuinty’s resignation took some members of city council by surprise.

Ontario's premier announced he would be stepping down Monday. McGuinty has not yet given a reason for his departure, but will stay on as premier through the upcoming leadership convention where his replacement will be chosen.

Westfort Coun. Joe Virdiramo, who is also the chair of the Intergovernmental Committee, said the news took him by surprise but he was more concerned about the premier’s decision to prorogue the legislature and what that would mean for the city.

“I was disappointed when I heard McGuinty was going to resign,” Virdiramo said. “I’m totally surprised. I don’t know what the background is but I’m sure that will come out. I feel he’s been an excellent premier. He’s taken the province forward and I’m sure the premier has solid reasons for doing what he did.”

Mayor Keith Hobbs said he wasn’t that surprised because he heard rumours of McGuinty possibly stepping last week from inside sources but still came as a shock.

“I’ve met the premier on several occasions,” Hobbs said. “I think he’s done a great job for the province. We have a good rapport with most of the MPPs in the Liberal party. We have two good MPPs who fight hard for our community and I don’t think a new leader will impact the city at all.”

Despite the call for prorogation, Hobbs added it should still be business as usual.