TORONTO, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced an updated team of parliamentary assistants as his government strengthens its focus on economic competitiveness, workforce protection and industrial resilience amid ongoing trade pressures from the United States.
The appointments are intended to support cabinet ministers in advancing provincial policies, including measures addressing U.S. tariffs, infrastructure development, job creation and economic growth.
The government said the revised parliamentary assistant assignments will help implement its broader strategy to make Ontario more competitive, resilient and economically self-reliant.
“I’m pleased to announce Ontario’s new and returning team of parliamentary assistants, who are working hard to deliver on our plan to protect Ontario,” said Premier Ford. “We have the right team in place in cabinet and across government to achieve our goal of building the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7, so we can protect workers and families in every corner of the province.”
Ontario Government Prioritizes Economic Growth and Trade Resilience
The updated appointments come as Ontario continues responding to trade uncertainty associated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
Parliamentary assistants support ministers with legislative responsibilities, policy development and engagement with stakeholders. Their assignments cover major areas of provincial administration, including economic development, health care, education, energy and transportation.
Tyler Allsopp will serve as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, while Sheref Sabawy will support the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Logan Kanapathi has been assigned to red tape reduction, and Dave Smith, representing Peterborough—Kawartha, will serve as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Finance.
Infrastructure, Energy and Industry Receive Dedicated Support
Several appointments focus on sectors central to Ontario’s economic development strategy.
Silvia Gualtieri and Laura Smith will support the Minister of Infrastructure, while Rudy Cuzzetto and David Smith, representing Scarborough Centre, will assist the Minister of Energy and Mines.
Steve Pinsonneault will support transportation, and Paul Vickers will serve as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources.
Agriculture and agribusiness responsibilities will be supported by Jeff Beattie and Bill Rosenberg.
Will Bouma will hold parliamentary assistant responsibilities across intergovernmental affairs, Indigenous affairs and First Nations economic reconciliation, Ring of Fire economic and community partnerships, and northern economic development.
Ric Bresee will support forestry and forest products, while Dawn Gallagher Murphy will assist the Associate Minister of Artificial Intelligence Adoption.
Health Care, Education and Community Services Appointments
The government also confirmed parliamentary assistant assignments covering public services and community programs.
Anthony Leardi will support the Minister of Health, while John Jordan will assist the Minister of Long-Term Care. Susan Lahey will serve as parliamentary assistant to the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
Stan Cho and Billy Pang will support education, while Lorne Coe will assist the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
Deepak Anand and Daisy Wai will support seniors and accessibility. George Darouze will assist the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.
Other appointments include Aris Babikian for citizenship and multiculturalism, Robert Bailey for rural affairs, Billy Denault for municipal affairs and housing, and Andrew Dowie for environment, conservation and parks.
Monica Ciriello and Mohamed Firin will support the Solicitor General, while Hardeep Singh Grewal will assist emergency preparedness and response.
Jess Dixon will support sport, Stéphane Sarrazin will assist Francophone affairs, and Effie Triantafilopoulos will support tourism, culture and gaming.
Brian Riddell and Amarjot Sandhu will assist public and business service delivery and procurement. Natalie Pierre and Joseph Racinsky will support the President of the Treasury Board.
Ford Confirms Legislative Leadership and Committee Chairs
Steve Clark will continue as Government House Leader and parliamentary assistant to the Premier. Anthony Leardi will remain Deputy Government House Leader.
Effie Triantafilopoulos will serve as Chief Government Whip, supported by Deputy Whips Natalie Pierre and Steve Pinsonneault. Amarjot Sandhu will become Progressive Conservative Caucus Chair.
The government also confirmed five standing committee chairs:
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Ernie Hardeman — Finance and Economic Affairs
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Laurie Scott — Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy
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Aris Babikian — the Interior
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Lorne Coe — Justice Policy
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Brian Riddell — Social Policy
The appointments establish the government’s parliamentary support structure as Ontario advances its legislative and economic agenda. The revised responsibilities place emphasis on coordinating policy delivery across ministries while responding to trade challenges and supporting provincial businesses, workers and communities.
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