WELLINGTON COUNTY – Ted Arnott will not be running for re-election when the next provincial election is called.
The Wellington-Halton Hills MPP and Speaker of the Legislature told the Advertiser on Oct. 15 he’s decided to finish his term but will not seek re-election.
“After many conversations with my family in recent weeks, I have decided that I will not be a candidate in the provincial riding of Wellington-Halton Hills when that election is called,” he stated in a subsequent press release.
Arnott was first elected in 1990 when he was 27 years old.
“I still had braces on my teeth,” he said in an interview. “Lisa and I were engaged then, and we got married a few months after the election.”
He and Lisa have three sons and Lisa, a school teacher, recently retired.
Arnott said he first entered politics because of his strong desire to serve the community in elected public office.
“That’s always been my motivation,” he said.
“And the kindness and encouragement of my constituents is what’s kept me going.”
He’s managed to hold the seat for 34 years, although riding boundaries have changed in that time.
He represented Wellington County from 1990 to 1999, Waterloo-Wellington from 1999 to 2007 and Wellington-Halton Hills since 2007.
He was first elected Speaker in 2018 and was re-elected Speaker in 2022.
The Speaker is elected by members of the Legislature by secret ballot.
It’s a non-partisan role where his duty is to ensure politicians are following the rules and decorum in the House of Commons.
And because of this role, he is not able to speak out on partisan issues, although, “I always try to put the needs and issues of the riding first,” he said.
“I can’t make public statements, so my advocacy is often behind the scenes.”
The change in the province over 34 years has been enormous.
“Almost everything has changed in society, although the expectation of politicians is the same – to work hard, be truthful and honest, and put your constituents first,” he remarked.
And interacting with constituents is the best part of the job, he said. “I have to know what’s going on and what people are thinking,” he added.
He’s also worked with very fine and dedicated staff at Queen’s Park and at his riding offices.
“I have always sought to make a positive difference at Queen’s Park and be worthy and deserving of my constituents’ trust,” he states in his press release.
“I also want to express my sincere thanks to the very special people who have been my staff colleagues through the years.
“They have worked with dedication to support me, help me voice the concerns of our constituents, and assume whatever role I have been assigned in the Assembly.”
The toughest period to govern was through the pandemic, he said, although that did afford him a little more time at home, where he started skating and playing tennis again – activities he hopes to continue.
Although, at 61, Arnott said he’s not yet ready to retire.
“I hope not to retire after I leave the Legislature,” he said, adding he has some skills he hopes will translate into a different workplace, although, “I have nothing lined up.”
The next provincial election will be in June of 2026, although “it’s widely rumoured it might be sooner,” he said.
Until then, “I will continue to serve Wellington-Halton Hills to the very best of my ability and continue fulfilling my non-partisan responsibilities as Speaker of Ontario’s provincial parliament in Toronto,” he said.
He thanked his wife and children for their unending support and the hundreds of volunteers who have helped with his nine election campaigns.
“It’s been an enormous privilege to serve, and I will continue to serve until the next election,” he said.
Arnott’s complete Oct. 15 statement is included below.
