Ontario Premier Doug Ford implemented a series of changes to his cabinet on Thursday, which included reassigning Minister David Piccini from the labor portfolio to infrastructure. Piccini is currently facing an investigation by the integrity commissioner following scrutiny from the auditor general regarding his management of the $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund. Despite the controversy, Ford has stood by Piccini and the accomplishments of the fund.
Kinga Surma, the former infrastructure minister, has taken on the role of Treasury Board president, which was left vacant after Caroline Mulroney’s resignation earlier this year. Trevor Jones, who previously oversaw agriculture, has been appointed as the new labor minister, while Sam Oosterhoff transitions from an associate minister position to assume the agriculture portfolio.
Additionally, Zee Hamid, previously an associate minister, has been appointed as the new minister of tourism, culture, and gaming following Stan Cho’s resignation due to scrutiny over his $16,000 expenditures on Toronto hotel stays while residing in the city. Brian Saunderson, a former Olympic rower, is now the minister of sport, taking over from Neil Lumsden who retired last month.
Ford’s office characterized the cabinet reshuffle as a move to ensure stability for Ontario amidst the ongoing trade dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump.