Internation Co-operation Minister Bev Oda resigns

International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda announced that she is quitting her job as an MP at the end of the month, according to CBC.

She made the announcement this morning, but said in a message on her website that she informed Prime Minister Harper of her decision two weeks ago.

Oda has faced controversy over her spending habits in recent months, but provided no explanation for her resignation.

The office of the MP of Durham’s office also said that she was not available for interviews.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Prime Minister Harper said that through her leadership, Canada has met its commitment to double aid to Africa ahead of time, which is a record.

Oda’s resignation comes right after that of another Conservative MP leaving the House of Commons, Calgary MP Lee Richardson.

Oda said her last day on the job will be July 31.

Oda was an MP for eight years, first elected in 2004, then named heritage minister in 2006, before Harper made her international co-operation minister in 2007.

Byelections will be held in both her riding and that of MP Richardson to fill in the vacancies.