Premier Kathleen Wynne has another byelection to call after the resignation of Community Safety and Corrections Minister David Orazietti.

Orazietti, 48, resigned Friday in what he called “a very difficult decision, and one I do not make lightly” to spend more time with his wife and two children.

In recent weeks, he has been under fire for the plight of Thunder Bay jail inmate Adam Capay, who was held in solitary confinement for four years after being charged with killing a fellow prisoner.

After a public outcry, Capay was moved to a better cell with access to recreational facilities in October.

Orazietti is leaving cabinet immediately, but will stay on as MPP for Sault Ste. Marie until Dec. 31.

Labour Minister Kevin Flynn will take on his duties until a replacement is named.

Wynne must call a byelection by June 30.

“A career in politics comes with many sacrifices. For me, that has meant missing many family events and important milestones in my children’s lives,” he said in a statement.

“As time goes on, it has become increasingly difficult for me to make these sacrifices and be away from home. My wife, Jane, our children and our extended family have been incredibly supportive and understanding of the commitment that political life brings,” added Orazietti, who has served four terms over 13 years.

“After spending over a decade serving our community at Queen’s Park, it is time for me, and my family, to start a new chapter in our lives.”

He made no reference to his future career plans, but has been mentioned as a potential president for Algoma University in the Sault, after Craig Chamberlin suddenly stepped aside Dec. 2 after just 18 months in the post. Wynne credited Orazietti for an “activist” approach to government. He introduced private member’s bills to improve northern highways, and access to breast cancer screenings and protect consumers from unfair business practices.

“The people of Sault Ste. Marie are fortunate to have had 13 years of representation from someone as committed, caring and effective as David,” Wynne said in a statement. “Particularly for members who travel great distances to be at Queen’s Park, the time away from family is hard.”

Orazietti was a teacher before entering politics. He served on Sault Ste. Marie city council before winning the riding in the 2003 Liberal sweep, defeating New Democrat MPP Tony Martin.

He was promoted to cabinet by Wynne in 2013, serving as natural resources minister before moving on to government and consumer services and then the corrections portfolio.

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In the last few months, Orazietti has been reforming the province’s jail system amid criticisms there are too few guards and a heavily reliance on solitary confinement.

Those concerns prompted the government to hire former federal corrections investigator Howard Sapers to conduct a 60-day review starting in the new year.

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