Ontario’s New Cabinet: Ford Focuses on Stability

Less than a month following the Ontario Progressive Conservatives’ election victory, Premier Ford has been sworn in alongside his new Cabinet. The Ontario PCs relied heavily on their incumbency to position themselves as the only team that can “Protect Ontario” – a successful strategy in the election, and one Ford is continuing with a front bench that is largely the same as the core team he led into the campaign. 

With only a handful of notable changes to Cabinet composition, the Ford government is expected to move quickly on economic protections, trade policy, and stimulus spending to shield Ontario from external risks posed by the US. As the government prepares to return to the Legislature in April, attention will now turn to how the government implements its “Protect Ontario” agenda. 

Ford’s Inner Circle Stays Whole 

Premier Ford’s core circle remains unchanged: 

• Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health 
• Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade 
• Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance 
• Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure 
• Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation 
• Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Francophone Affairs 
• Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines (Mines is a new addition to Minister Lecce’s portfolio, reflecting the central importance Premier Ford places on the energy and mining sectors amongst his economic priorities) 

This team demonstrates a commitment to the “Building Ontario” theme that was core to the Ontario government before the onset of Trump tariffs and trade issues. Policy planning is expected to pick up where it left off, supercharged by new spending and stimulus under the “Protect Ontario” banner. 

Notable moves 

Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Before serving as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Flack was the Associate Minister of Housing. He is familiar with the file, and will bring a more rural lens to the portfolio, with a renewed interest in modular and affordable housing. 

Paul Calandra, Minister of Education – Previously Ontario’s Housing Minister, and Minister of Long-Term Care, Calandra has a reputation as a talented debater and fixer. In previous roles he proved himself as an effective crisis manager – like during the pandemic at LTC. The shift to Education signals the need for a strong communicator on the file who can deliver results. 

Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks – Having proved himself as Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, McCarthy is stepping into a more visible and complex portfolio at MECP. His legal background will serve him well in navigating the integrated regulatory landscape of his new Ministry. 

Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism – In his previous roles as Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, McGregor emerged as an effective leader and advocate within the Ontario PC caucus. He represents a diverse Brampton riding and brings a deep respect for culture and community to his new role.  

Implementing the “Plan to Protect Ontario” 

With Cabinet established, the Ford government will now shift its focus to delivering on the commitments made in the Plan to Protect Ontario. Senior Ministers staying in place means that budget planning will resume where it left off before the election call earlier this year – with a renewed focus on ensuring Ontario can respond swiftly and effectively to US economic disruptions.  

Ford will also continue to reinforce his leadership on the national stage as Chair of the Council of the Federation. Ford’s recent meeting with federal Minister Chrystia Freeland – who now holds responsibility for internal trade and attended the swearing in – reflects his goal of leading the charge on removing interprovincial trade barriers across the country. Ford’s ability to act decisively in the coming weeks and months will be key to demonstrating that his re-election mandate translates into tangible results for families, workers, and businesses in Ontario. 

Other Changes to Ford’s Cabinet 

• Nolan Quinn: Remains Minister of Colleges and Universities with an expanded mandate on Research Excellence and Security. Given the collaboration between Ontario’s post-secondary institutions and researchers, businesses, and workers around the world, expect a greater focus on ensuring the security of Ontario-led research amid heightened concerns related to domestic and global security.  
• Trevor Jones: From Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response to Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness 
• Jill Dunlop: From Minister of Education to Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response 
• Greg Rickford: Remains Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, drops Minister of Northern Development, and adds Minister of Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships 
• Mike Harris Jr: From Minister of Red Tape Reduction to Minister of Natural Resources 
• George Pirie: From Minister of Mines to Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth 
• Stephen Crawford: From Associate Minister of Mines to Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement 
• Andrea Khanjin: From Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks to Minister of Red Tape Reduction 
• Michael Tibollo: From Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to Associate Attorney General 
• Zee Hamid: From Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance to Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform 
• Graydon Smith: From Minister of Natural Resources to Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing 
• Vijay Thanigasalam: From Associate Minister of Housing to Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions