Doug Ford shuffles Ontario cabinet in response to U.S. tariffs

Premier Doug Ford has revealed changes to the cabinet to protect workers, businesses and fight against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

“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.”

Ford has moved Minister David Piccini from the labour portfolio to infrastructure.

Although the premier has defended Piccini and the success of the $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund, Piccini is under investigation by the integrity commissioner.

This comes after the auditor general raised questions about Piccini’s handling of the funding.

Kinga Surma is now the treasury board president, a role left vacant after Caroline Mulroney resigned earlier this year. Surma previously served as the minister of infrastructure.

Trevor Jones is the new labour minister after previously serving in the agriculture portfolio.

Sam Oosterhoff moves from an associate minister role to fill the agriculture job.

READ MORE: Ontario Premier Doug Ford tones down rhetoric in war of words with Donald Trump

Zee Hamid is the new minister of tourism, culture and gaming after also previously being in an associate minister role.

The move follows the resignation of Stan Cho, who stepped down after facing backlash for spending $16,000 on Toronto hotels despite living in the city.

A new position of associate minister of AI adoption is being created to ensure Ontario remains at the forefront of responsible AI adoption.

This position will focus on putting Ontario’s world-class research, talent and innovation to work and help businesses and industries adopt new technologies.

It will also focus on increasing productivity and preparing workers for the jobs of the future, including supporting workers displaced by AI.

The minister of sport has been filled by former Olympic rower Brian Saunderson. He has a deep connection to sport and a strong understanding of the role it plays in Ontario’s economy and community development.

Ford and his renewed cabinet will continue moving major projects forward faster, attracting new investment, speeding up approvals and lowering costs for businesses, workers and families.

With Files From The Canadian Press

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