MPP Monte McNaughton has been named as the new Minister of Infrastructure in Ontario, the first Cabinet position ever for a representative of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
“Humbled to be sworn in as Minister of Infrastructure in the Ontario government under Premier Doug Ford,” McNaughton said on social media on the weekend.
“It was a truly moving day and I experienced it with my wife Kate, daughter Annie, and my parents Gary and Susan McNaughton. We took the TTC (subway) to the ceremony and treasured the time together. I began the work immediately and will continue working every single moment for the people.”
Ford, McNaughton and the other new Ministers joined thousands of people on the front steps of Ontario’s legislature as the new Progressive Conservative government was sworn-in.
“I will never forget why I’m here: to work for the people of Ontario,” Ford said in a press release.
“I promised the people that I would help make our great province the best place in North America when it comes to business, creating jobs and raising a family. And I am going to keep my promise.”
Ford met with The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario to present his recommendations for appointments to Ontario’s Executive Council.
The new Government for the People were sworn-in and affirmed in a public ceremony on the front steps of the Legislative Building at Queen’s Park.
The new ministers are as follows:
– Peter Bethlenfalvy – President of the Treasury Board
– Raymond Cho – Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
– Steve Clark – Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
– Christine Elliott – Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and Deputy Premier
– Victor Fedeli – Minister of Finance and Chair of Cabinet
– Doug Ford – Premier and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
– Merrilee Fullerton – Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
– Ernie Hardeman – Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
– Sylvia Jones – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
– Lisa MacLeod – Minister of Children, Community and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues
– Monte McNaughton – Minister of Infrastructure
– Caroline Mulroney – Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
– Rod Phillips – Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
– Greg Rickford – Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs
– Laurie Scott – Minister of Labour
– Todd Smith – Minister of Government and Consumer Services, and Government House Leader
– Lisa Thompson – Minister of Education
– Michael Tibollo – Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
– Jim Wilson – Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
– John Yakabuski – Minister of Transportation
– Jeff Yurek – Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
“We have an all-star team that’s ready right now to give the people of Ontario the kind of leadership and direction they deserve,” said Ford.
“For too long, the people of Ontario have worked more and paid more, but gotten less. Those days are over. Help is here.”
To our newly sworn-in cabinet, and our skilled team of MPPs – we have a critical task ahead of us. But I know our team is ready and no matter what, we will never forget that we owe this opportunity to the people. #onpoli pic.twitter.com/x060u8BmMz
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) 29 June 2018
After winning re-election last month, McNaughton told the Sydenham Current on Election Night that there would be no time for rest.
“I’ll be right back to work in the morning serving constituents in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex,” McNaughton said.
“I’m going to be immediately moving to ensure that the Otter Creek project gets stopped here in Wallaceburg, the wind turbine project. As well as working to ensure the health hazard investigation finally occurs for the North Kent Wind project for the families that live near that.”
McNaughton added: “I’m looking forward to being a part of that PC government that is going to bring a change. The people of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex have wanted change and the rest of the province at that point didn’t, but tonight people right across the province voted clearly… it’s a PC majority government and that is going to bode well for the families of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.”
McNaughton gathered 55.34% of the vote for a total of 27,877 votes, his third straight victory in the riding.
“I’m very thankful for the strong mandate I received, nearly 60% of the vote for the PC Party here,” McNaughton said.
“It is going to be different. Voters right across the province voted for change, there is going to be a PC majority government and I’m looking forward to being a part of that majority government to finally bring change to the people of Ontario.”
