Scarborough-Agincourt MPP Gerry Phillips announced his retirement on March 25.

“I love the job, it is very rewarding,” he said. “But having to commit to another four years in office entails a lot of time and effort. I am not prepared to make that kind of commitment.”

For 24 years, Phillips has been representing the area, one of the city’s most multicultural areas.

He first entered provincial politics in 1987, when he was voted into the legislature to represent Scarborough-Agincourt.

“I started off being in business — I opened up three companies and had 300 employees,” he said. “I entered politics because I found it to be more rewarding. You get to influence lots of people’s lives and with that there is personal satisfaction as well.”

He also served as the head of the old Scarborough Board of Education and board of governors for the Scarborough Hospital.

In Liberal premier David Peterson’s government, Phillips served as minister of both citizenship and labour portfolios.

Later, while in opposition to the Progressive Conservative government, he was finance and native affairs critic.

Phillips listed the Veterans’ Memorial on the lawn of Queen’s Park as one of the tasks he was most proud of having had a hand in bulding.

“He is a very hardworking, intelligent and fair man of great integrity,” said Susie Dell, scheduling assistant to Phillips, who was her boss for more than two decades. “I consider him as a close friend.”

Phillips was instrumental in the formation of the 2003 inquiry into the 1995 shooting death of native protester Dudley George at Ipperwash Provincial Park, she said.

Ward 39 councillor Mike Del Grande wished Phillips well after his retirement.

“He was responsible for improving healthcare at local hospitals in the area,” he said. “I have often complimented him on that.”

Ward 40 councillor Norm Kelly, who worked with Phillips while representing the southern half of Scarborough-Agincourt, said Phillips always took a balanced approach.

“If you have worked with him, you would know that he is a fair, reasonable and balanced individual,” Kelly said.

He’s also a hockey fan, Kelly recalled. He said he remembered conversations he’d had with Phillips about the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Gerry Phillips has been the MPP of Scarborough-Agincourt for 24 years, serving one of the most multicultural communities in Toronto.

Scarborough-Agincourt MPP Gerry Phllips debating on the retirement home bill in June 2010 when he served as the Minister Responsible for Seniors.

Phillips was talking with Transportation Minister Jim Bradley and MPP David Zimmer at the recent announcement regarding Scarborough RT upgrades and extension.

Phillips presented Outstanding Volunteer Awards to CareFirst volunteering seniors.

Phillips at the Canada Day Parade on July 1, 2008.

Phillips has served as the chair of the Metro school board and chair of the Scarborough General Hospital board.

Phillips has been dedicated to Canadian public service for over 26 years. He served as citizenship and labour minister in the Peterson government, then finance critic, and chair of management board, minister of government services, acting minister of citizenship, minister of energy, and chair of Cabinet in the McGuinty government.

Phillips gave remarks at The Silver Screens Arts Festival in June 2010.