Ontario Premier Doug Ford Announces Cabinet Shuffle with Focus on Education and Energy Portfolios

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced a significant cabinet shuffle that focuses on the education and energy portfolios. Stephen Lecce, who has been the Minister of Education since 2019, will now be taking on the energy portfolio, while Todd Smith, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Bay of Quinte, will step into the role of Minister of Education.

The shuffle includes the promotion of several new faces to the cabinet, with Mike Harris, son of a former premier, taking on the Red Tape Reduction portfolio. This move brings the total number of cabinet ministers to 36, indicating a significant restructuring of responsibilities within the government.

Despite the changes, key ministers such as Sylvia Jones, Peter Bethlenfalvy, Paul Calandra, Raymond Cho, Stan Cho, Doug Downey, Jill Dunlop, Vic Fedeli, and others will remain in their current positions, providing continuity in crucial government departments.

Northumberland Peterborough South MPP David Piccini will continue in his role as Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, contributing to the government’s focus on workforce development and employment initiatives.

One notable addition is the creation of new associate minister positions, indicating a more diversified approach to governance and the acknowledgment of specialized areas within various ministries. Steve Clark has also been appointed as the Government House Leader, underlining the government’s commitment to effective legislative operations.