Doug Ford, the 26th premier of Ontario, revealed his cabinet of 21 before he was sworn in on Friday at Queen’s Park.
The second public ceremony was held on the steps of the legislature, where Ford reaffirmed his oath of office, and gave a speech.
“I stand before you today, truly humbled by the trust you put in me, and intensely aware of the tremendous task that lies ahead.” Ford said in the opening of his first official speech as premier.
This marks the first public ceremony for an incoming premier in over 30 years.
“Serving the public is a noble endeavour,” said Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell. “There will undoubtedly be moments of joy and satisfaction, yet also times of challenge.”
Ford claims he’s fulfilled his promise of getting to work right away.
“The work is well underway. I promised you I’d get to work right away, and that’s what we’re doing.”
“We know the challenges before us are real and they are serious. Following years of fiscal mismanagement, record levels of debt, crippling interest payments, crumbling infrastructure and a broken health care system.” he said.
“We’re eliminating the cap-and-trade carbon tax, the first steps to lowering gas prices. We’re initiating a full audit of the government’s spending line item by item – a review that will result in billions – that’s billions – of dollars of savings for Canadians.”
Ford takes office with a strong majority, having won 76 or 124 seats in the June 7 election.
“My friends, a new day will dawn in Ontario, a day of prosperity and opportunity, opportunity for all to succeed and prosper.”