ONTARIO NEWS RELEASE: Premier Ford Unveils Changes to Cabinet to Put Ontario on Long-Term Footing to Fight President Trump’s Tariffs

TORONTO — Premier Doug Ford unveiled changes to his cabinet today to put Ontario on long-term footing to protect workers, businesses and communities as President Trump continues to escalate his trade war with Canada.

“President Trump is once again taking aim at Ontario’s economy with his latest round of tariffs and anti-trade measures,” said Premier Doug Ford. “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.”

The Executive Council is as follows:

• Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
• Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
• Sam Oosterhoff, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
• Doug Downey, Attorney General
• Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services
• Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
• Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
• Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
• Paul Calandra, Minister of Education
• Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines
• Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
• Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance
• Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and the Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships
• David Piccini, Minister of Infrastructure
• Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
• Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care and Minister of Francophone Affairs
• Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources
• George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth
• Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement
• Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction
• Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs
• Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
• Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General
• Brian Saunderson, Minister of Sport
• Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
• Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation
• Kinga Surma, President of the Treasury Board
• Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Artificial Intelligence Adoption, as part of the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
• Michael Tibollo, Associate Attorney General, as part of the Ministry of the Attorney General
• Matthew Rae, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, as part of the Ministry of Energy and Mines
• Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, as part of the Ministry of Natural Resources
• Michelle Cooper, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, as part of the Ministry of Health
• Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, as part of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business, as part of the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
• Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, as part of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

As the government moves into the next phase of its plan to protect Ontario, the Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform’s mandate has been fulfilled. The mandate delivered key changes to Ontario’s bail system, including stronger bail compliance rules and better tools for police to keep repeat offenders behind bars, while helping drive down auto theft across the province.

A new position of Associate Minister of Artificial Intelligence Adoption is being created to ensure Ontario remains at the forefront of responsible AI adoption. The new associate minister will focus on putting Ontario’s world-class research, talent and innovation to work, helping businesses and industries adopt new technologies, boost productivity and prepare workers for the jobs of the future, including by supporting workers displaced by AI adoption.

As a former Olympic rower, Brian Saunderson steps into the role of Minister of Sport with a deep connection to sport and a strong understanding of the role it plays in Ontario’s economy and community development.

Premier Ford and his renewed cabinet will continue moving major projects forward faster, attracting new investment, cutting red tape, speeding up approvals and lowering costs for businesses, workers and families. With the right team in place, Ontario is positioning itself not just to withstand the current trade war with the U.S., but to emerge stronger, more competitive and more resilient than ever before.