In a strategic cabinet shuffle on Thursday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford reassigned his ministers of energy and education and reinstated a former minister involved in the Greenbelt controversy.
This cabinet realignment coincides with the legislature adjourning for an extended summer break until late October. Ford’s refusal to commit to the 2026 election timeline has fueled early election speculation.
Stephen Lecce, who has served as the education minister since 2019, will now lead the rebranded Ministry of Energy and Electrification. He exchanges roles with Todd Smith, who has held the energy portfolio for the past three years.
Reflecting on his tenure in education, Lecce expressed honor and excitement for his new role, emphasizing the importance of affordable, reliable energy to support Ontario’s growing population and booming industries, especially in the electric vehicle sector.
Several new appointments have been made to the cabinet, which now includes 36 members due to the creation of new associate minister positions and the division of some ministries such as Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Mike Harris, son of the former premier, steps into the red-tape reduction portfolio, a position left vacant since Parm Gill resigned in January to run for the federal Conservatives.
Steve Clark, who resigned last fall amid the Greenbelt controversy, has been appointed government house leader. Though not a cabinet position, this role is pivotal in managing the government’s legislative agenda. Paul Calandra, the previous house leader since 2019, retains his position as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Ministers of health, finance, colleges and universities, and environment will continue in their current roles.
Stan Cho transitions from long-term care to Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, overseeing the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). Neil Lumsden, who held the tourism, culture, and sport portfolio since 2022, will now focus solely on sports.
Natalia Kusendova-Bashta is promoted from the backbenches to oversee long-term care. Lisa Thompson’s role is now limited to rural affairs, with Rob Flack taking on the expanded role of Minister of Farming, Agriculture, and Agribusiness.
Vijay Thanigasalam moves to Associate Minister of Housing, with his previous role as Associate Minister of Transportation being eliminated. New associate minister roles include Stephen Crawford as Associate Minister of Mines, Trevor Jones as Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Nolan Quinn as Associate Minister of Forestry.
Sam Oosterhoff, who became Ontario’s youngest-ever MPP in 2016 at age 19, joins the cabinet as Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries.