News Breaking: Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips resigns after controversial Caribbean trip SHARE ON: Casey Kenny, staff Thursday, Dec. 31st, 2020 Vista Stock photo Rod Phillips has resigned as Ontario’s Finance Minister. It comes after Phillips tooks a controversial vacation to the Caribbean despite pleas from public health officials for people not to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Doug Ford announced Thursday afternoon that he has accepted Phillips resignation. Ford says the “resignation is a demonstration that our government takes seriously our obligation to hold ourselves to a higher standard.” He says he has asked current Treasury Board President Peter Bethlenfalvy to assume the role of finance minister.