Premier Doug Ford unveiled changes to his cabinet Wednesday, saying the moves are meant to put Ontario on long-term footing to protect workers, businesses and communities as the U.S. continues to escalate its trade dispute with Canada.
“President Trump is once again taking aim at Ontario’s economy with his latest round of tariffs and anti-trade measures,” Ford said. “Ontario won’t back down. We’re preparing for the long haul, and that means putting the right team in place to protect Ontario workers and jobs today while building the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7 that can withstand whatever challenges come our way.”
Sylvia Jones remains Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, while Vic Fedeli continues as Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and Peter Bethlenfalvy remains Minister of Finance. Other members of the renewed Executive Council include Doug Downey as Attorney General, Paul Calandra as Minister of Education, Jill Dunlop as Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Stephen Lecce as Minister of Energy and Mines, and Michael Kerzner as Solicitor General, among other ministers.
As the government moves into the next phase of its plan, the mandate of the Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform has been fulfilled, having delivered stronger bail compliance rules and better tools for police to keep repeat offenders in custody while helping reduce auto theft across the province.
A new position of Associate Minister of Artificial Intelligence Adoption is being created, with Vijay Thanigasalam appointed to the role, to help ensure Ontario remains at the forefront of responsible AI adoption, focusing on putting the province’s research, talent and innovation to work and supporting workers displaced by AI adoption.
Brian Saunderson, a former Olympic rower, takes on the role of Minister of Sport.
The government says the renewed cabinet will continue moving major projects forward, attracting investment, cutting red tape, speeding up approvals and lowering costs for businesses, workers and families as Ontario navigates the ongoing trade dispute with the United States.
