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Premier Doug Ford has shuffled his cabinet as Ontario prepares for what the government says could be a long trade fight with the United States.
Ford announced the changes Thursday, saying his renewed cabinet will focus on protecting workers and businesses as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to impose tariffs and other trade measures on Canada.
“Ontario won’t back down,” Ford said, adding the province is “preparing for the long haul.”
Several senior ministers remain in place. Sylvia Jones continues as Deputy Premier and Health Minister, Peter Bethlenfalvy remains Finance Minister and Vic Fedeli stays as Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Among the changes, Paul Calandra becomes Education Minister, Rob Flack takes over Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Brian Saunderson becomes Minister of Sport.
Kinga Surma moves to President of the Treasury Board, while David Piccini becomes Infrastructure Minister.
The province is also creating a new Associate Minister of Artificial Intelligence Adoption position, with Vijay Thanigasalam taking on the role. The government says the position will help businesses adopt AI and prepare workers for changing jobs.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized the shuffle, accusing Ford of using it to avoid accountability for controversies involving his government.
“This is a desperate act by a flailing Premier,” Stiles said.
She also criticized the new roles for Piccini and Surma and argued ministers should face greater accountability rather than new assignments.
Ford says his renewed team will focus on attracting investment, speeding up major projects, cutting red tape and strengthening Ontario’s economy against ongoing trade pressures.
Written by Jeremy Hall
