Former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion is saying "no thank you" to a provincial appointment.
The government announced earlier this month that McCallion had been appointed to serve as a special adviser to Ford and Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark.
The appointment came with a salary of up to $150,000.
McCallion says in a statment, "Unfortunately, due to my extensive commitments, I am unable to accommodate the extensive time required for such an appointment at this point in time. As a result, I will not be accepting the formal appointment and the per diem that goes along with it.
“I remain very committed to contributing, as available, to Ontario’s future – especially as it pertains to my areas of expertise on the housing and municipal affairs files.
“I will continue to maintain an open dialogue with both Minister Clark and Premier Ford on housing-related issues, and they both know that I am phone call away should they ever require any advice or counsel.”
Ford said today that he saw her over the weekend and she said she sits on eight boards, so she will help in any way she can, but she wouldn't take a salary.
McCallion, known as ``Hurricane Hazel,'' is two weeks shy of turning 98 years old.
(With files from Canadian Press)