Wynne revamps cabinet

At Queen’s Park today, Kathleen Wynne revamped her cabinet. Some took on new responsibilities, some kept their old ones. But no one was booted out of cabinet as the new executive team was sworn into office this afternoon.

There are now 23 ministries in the government. Some ministries have grown — environment becomes “environment and climate change,” for example — and the finance ministry was split in two. Four members are new to cabinet.

Wynne is now officially the first woman elected premier of Ontario. Her cabinet includes eight women, including deputy premier Deb Matthews, who moves from a five-year stint as health minister to a new role: president of the treasury board. That essentially cuts finance minister Charles Sousa’s finance portfolio — which he keeps — in half.

Jim Bradley becomes a minister without a portfolio and chair of the cabinet. Glen Murray goes from transportation to environment and climate change. One reporter said he looked like someone shot his dog today, but the premier said no one has been demoted.

The biggest promotion is seen as Dr. Eric Hoskins, a McMaster graduate and founder of an international aid agency for children. He becomes health minister.

Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn stays minister of labour and Hamilton-area stalwart Ted McMeekin becomes minister of municipal affairs and housing.