Longtime Liberal MP and former Minister, Carolyn Bennett, announced she is resigning on Tuesday.

The announcement comes after twenty-six years of sitting in the House of Commons for Bennett.

Bennett gave her last speech before parliament on Tuesday, warning of the growing spread of “misinformation” while also boasting that their government has made “serious advancements” with regards to climate change, childcare, and reconciliation.

The shock decision comes after it was previously reported she would wait until the end of her term to call it quits.

Bennett has had a long track record of ministerial positions, serving as Minister of State (Public Health) from 2003 to 2006, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs from 2015 to 2017, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations from 2017 to 2021, and Minister Mental Health and Addictions from 2021 to July 2023.  

Most recently, she served as Associate Health Minister from 2021 to July 2023.

Hailed a “racist and misogynist” by Jody Wilson-Raybould

While in charge of Crown Indigenous Relations, Bennett was accused of making “racist and misogynistic” comments by former Justice Minister and Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould. 

Wilson-Raybould made the assertion after she was booted from her role by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for refusing to give SNC-Lavalin a pass in their corruption scandal. 

The accusation prompted a demand for her resignation in 2021 from Wet’suwet’en chiefs.

After an apology by Bennett, Trudeau said he was “deeply disappointed” in Bennett, but that he “knows her heart.”

Social Media rejoices in Bennett’s departure

Following Bennett’s surprise announcement, some social media users have mocked the Trudeau Government for what appears to be a house of cards in midst of a colossal collapse. 

“I’m surprised you didn’t ride this sinking ship out,” one user said. 

Another simply wrote, “Good riddance Carolyn Bennett!”