Joan Shea stepping down as MHA

Environment Minister Joan Shea announced Monday morning she would be stepping down as MHA for St. George's-Stephenville East.

Shea has been a Tory MHA and cabinet minister since 2003. 

"When you get to a point where you feel like your energy is not where it needs to be, or your enthusiasm, it's really time to acknowledge that," said Shea during an announcement on Monday.

Shea said she made the decision to resign her post in the last few days.

Premier Tom Marshall said, of everything government has done since 2003, he's most proud of the poverty reduction strategy Shea spearheaded.

Marshall said he'll be stepping down before the next provincial election, and suspects he won't be the only one.

"Minister [Shea] is going now, I've announced I'm leaving, and I expect to see new people come in and I expect to see other people leave as well," he said.

Shea has held multiple portfolios in cabinet, including environment and conservation, advanced education and skills, and child, youth and family services.

The party now has 60 days to call a byelection in Shea's former district.