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Helena Guergis resigns (Updated)

Controversial junior minister steps down from cabinet and gets booted from the Conservative caucus

Embattled Conservative MP Helena Guergis has resigned from her job as minister of state for the status of women. The MP for Simcoe-Grey has come under fire in recent weeks, most recently over her husband Rahim Jaffer’s business dealings, as well as for a tantrum she threw at a PEI airport. In a statement to reporters, Prime Minister Stephen Harper confirmed Guergis had indeed stepped down and that former cabinet minister Rona Ambrose would take over Guergis’s portfolio. Harper also said the Ethics Commissioner and the RCMP would be investigating unspecified “serious allegations” involving Guergis that came to the attention of his office Thursday night. In the meantime, Guergis will no longer be welcome to sit with the Conservative caucus.

UPDATE: The CBC has obtained the full text of an email sent out by Guergis in advance of the announcement:

April 9, 2010

This morning, I tendered my resignation as Minister of State for Status of Women to the Prime Minister which he accepted.

The past 9 months have been a very difficult time for me. I have made mistakes for which I have apologised. I want the people of PEI to know that when I spoke emotionally I was speaking about the airport as I would never insult my father’s birthplace. I apologise again. I have worked hard for Canadian women and I am proud of my record of my accomplishments on their behalf.

I will continue in my position as MP for Simcoe-Grey and continue to serve my community.

Sincerely,
Helena Guergis, MP Simcoe Grey

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