Thibeault said he respects Cimino's decision to resign

In a Facebook statement, Sudbury NDP MP Glenn Thibeault said he understands and respects his provincial counterpart Joe Cimino's decision to resign from the provincial legislature.

Cimino, who was elected the NDP MPP for Sudbury in June, announced Nov. 20 he was stepping down for family and health reasons.

The former Greater Sudbury city councillor is the father of two young daughters, as is Thibeault.

“As the father of two young daughters, I understand and respect Joe Cimino`s decision to resign from the Provincial Legislature this morning,” Thibeault's statement reads.

“While I have always been able to count on the support of my loving wife, my two beautiful daughters, my family, and my friends, the life of an elected official, particularly one with a young family, can carry a tremendous personal strain. Gruelling work and travel schedules inevitably means missed recitals, plays, soccer games, and other life events. Family moments that many take for granted are sacrificed.

“I hope and trust that Joe can count on the support and understanding of the community in the wake of this very personal decision to step away from public life.”