Premier Doug Ford says changes will support government’s economic and public service agenda
The Ontario government has announced changes to cabinet responsibilities following the resignation of senior minister Caroline Mulroney, with Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and Long-Term Care Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta taking on expanded roles within Premier Doug Ford’s administration.
The changes, announced by the Premier’s Office on Thursday, are intended to support the government’s ongoing economic and public policy agenda as Ontario continues to focus on fiscal management, infrastructure investment and public services.
Peter Bethlenfalvy, who currently serves as Ontario’s Minister of Finance, has been appointed interim President of the Treasury Board while also assuming the role of Chair of the Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria will serve as Vice Chair.
Meanwhile, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta will add the role of Minister of Francophone Affairs to her existing responsibilities as Minister of Long-Term Care.
The appointments were formally confirmed earlier in the day during a swearing-in ceremony.
Government positions reshuffle as continuation of economic plan
The Premier’s Office said the cabinet adjustments are designed to ensure continuity within government operations and maintain momentum behind Ontario’s economic and workforce priorities.
Premier Doug Ford said the appointments reflect confidence in the ministers’ leadership and their ability to support the province’s policy objectives during a period of economic uncertainty and public sector transformation.
“These changes position our government to continue delivering on our plan to stand up for workers, grow our economy and protect Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I am thankful for the leadership that Peter, Natalia and Prabmeet have shown serving the people of Ontario and I look forward to seeing that continued leadership as they take on these new responsibilities.”
The Treasury Board plays a central role in overseeing Ontario’s public spending, expenditure management and government operations. Bethlenfalvy’s additional appointment consolidates key fiscal responsibilities under the finance portfolio at a time when the province continues to manage inflationary pressures, infrastructure spending and healthcare investment.
Industry observers are expected to closely watch how the interim appointment influences budget oversight and future spending decisions, particularly as the government advances major infrastructure and transportation projects across the province.
Expanded responsibilities for senior ministers
Bethlenfalvy has served as Ontario’s Finance Minister since 2021 and has overseen several provincial budgets focused on economic recovery, business investment and labour market growth.
His appointment as interim President of the Treasury Board further strengthens his influence over Ontario’s fiscal direction and internal government expenditure planning.
At the same time, Kusendova-Bashta’s expanded responsibilities add Francophone Affairs to an already significant healthcare-focused portfolio. The ministry is responsible for supporting Ontario’s French-speaking communities and ensuring access to government services in French across the province.
The move is seen as part of a broader effort to maintain cabinet stability following the departure of Caroline Mulroney, who resigned from Cabinet and as Member of Provincial Parliament for York—Simcoe effective June 5, 2026.
Mulroney had been one of the government’s most senior and high-profile ministers, holding several major portfolios during her time in office, including transportation and francophone affairs.
Premier pays tribute to Caroline Mulroney
In announcing the cabinet changes, Premier Ford also paid tribute to Mulroney’s contribution to the provincial government.
“Caroline has been an incredible champion for Ontario and a deeply valued member of our government,” said Premier Ford. “I wish her and her family all the very best and I want to thank her on behalf of the people of Ontario for her years of service.”
Her departure marks a significant change within Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government, particularly given her senior role in several key infrastructure and public policy initiatives over recent years.
The government has not yet indicated whether the interim Treasury Board appointment will become permanent or whether further cabinet changes are expected in the coming months.
For now, the administration appears focused on maintaining continuity across its economic, healthcare and public administration agendas while reinforcing its message around economic growth, fiscal oversight and support for workers and communities across Ontario.