Premier Doug Ford introduced his new cabinet on Wednesday at the Royal Ontario Museum, with many familiar faces remaining in key roles.
“We’re putting the best of the best on the ice,” Ford said in an interview before the ceremony, following his Progressive Conservatives’ re-election for a third term on February 27.
Several key ministers retained their positions, including Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, Health Minister Sylvia Jones, Energy Minister Stephen Lecce—who now also oversees mines—Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma, and Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli.
One of the most notable changes was Paul Calandra’s appointment as education minister, replacing Jill Dunlop, who was moved to the role of minister of emergency preparedness. Calandra, who previously handled municipal affairs and housing, will be succeeded by Rob Flack. Trevor Jones takes over Flack’s former position as minister of agriculture.
With ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., Ford emphasized the importance of resource development in Ontario. Lecce will now be responsible for mining, a role previously held by George Pirie, who will now focus on northern economic development and growth. Greg Rickford, minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, will also oversee the Ring of Fire chromite mining project.
Unlike the leaner federal cabinet, which consists of 24 members, Ford is maintaining Ontario’s largest executive council with 37 ministers, including himself.
Ford has been working closely with the federal government, which is expected to face an election soon. He personally invited the federal transport minister to his swearing-in ceremony, highlighting their strong working relationship.
The only newcomer to the cabinet is Milton MPP Zee Hamid, who will serve as associate minister of auto theft and bail reform.
Other ministers in the cabinet include: Attorney General Doug Downey; Children, Community and Social Services Minister Michael Parsa; Citizenship and Multiculturalism Minister Graham McGregor; Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn; Environment Minister Todd McCarthy; Labour Minister David Piccini; Long-Term Care Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta; Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris, Jr.; Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Minister Stephen Crawford; Red Tape Reduction Minister Andrea Khanjin; Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson; Seniors Minister Raymond Cho; Solicitor General Michael Kerzner; Sports Minister Neil Lumsden; Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho; Treasury Board and Francophone Affairs Minister Caroline Mulroney, along with multiple associate ministers.