Ontario Premier Doug Ford makes major changes in cabinet shuffle

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced his cabinet shuffle today around 10:30 a.m.

The changes included demotions for high-ranking PC party members, like Vic Fedeli, who was shifted from Finance Minister to Minister of Economic Development. Former Environment Minister Rod Phillips will replace him.

Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Lisa MacLeod became the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. MacLeod struggled with backlash over changes to autism funding in her former position. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Education, took over the government and consumer services portfolio. She is replaced by cabinet novice Stephen Lecce.

Rookie MPP Doug Downey has replaced Caroline Mulroney as Attorney General. Mulroney continues to serve as Minister of Francophone Affairs and shifted to Minister of Transportation. Former Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek was moved to lead the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care was split into two portfolios. Christine Elliott remains the Minister of Health, while former Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities Merrilee Fullerton is in charge of long-term care. Fullerton is replaced by MPP Ross Romano.

In addition to the changes, 5 new associate minister positions were created. These portfolios include children and women’s issues, small business and red tape reduction, and mental health and addictions.

The reset comes shortly after the first anniversary of Ford’s election win.

He has been falling in the polls and critics suggest his unpopularity is hurting federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer’s chances of winning support in Ontario ahead of October’s election.

The premier’s last cabinet shuffle was in November when about half a dozen ministers were reassigned following the resignation of Jim Wilson to seek treatment for addiction issues.

A full list of the new Progressive Conservative cabinet can be found on the Government of Ontario website.