TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reshuffled his cabinet as his government prepares for a prolonged period of trade tensions with the United States, positioning economic competitiveness, investment and emerging technologies at the centre of its strategy.
The changes, announced September 10, come as the province says it is seeking to protect Ontario workers and businesses from U.S. tariffs and other trade measures while strengthening the economy’s ability to withstand future disruptions.
Ford Says Ontario Is Preparing for a Longer Trade Fight
Ford framed the cabinet changes around the province’s economic response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies and the government’s goal of making Ontario more resilient and self-reliant.
“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.”
Ford will remain Premier and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, while Sylvia Jones continues as Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
Peter Bethlenfalvy remains Minister of Finance, while Vic Fedeli continues as Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Stephen Lecce serves as Minister of Energy and Mines, and Prabmeet Sarkaria remains Minister of Transportation.
Economic and Infrastructure Portfolios Remain Central
Several other senior cabinet positions include Doug Downey as Attorney General, Paul Calandra as Minister of Education, David Piccini as Minister of Infrastructure and Rob Flack as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Trevor Jones serves as Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, while Kinga Surma remains President of the Treasury Board.
Other cabinet appointments include Sam Oosterhoff as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness; Michael Parsa as Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; Graham McGregor as Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism; and Nolan Quinn as Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
Jill Dunlop becomes Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, while Andrea Khanjin serves as Minister of Red Tape Reduction. Stephen Crawford holds the Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement portfolio.
Northern and resource-related responsibilities include Mike Harris as Minister of Natural Resources and George Pirie as Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. Greg Rickford remains Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships.
Ontario Creates New AI Adoption Role
One of the most notable changes is the creation of an Associate Minister of Artificial Intelligence Adoption position within the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Vijay Thanigasalam will take on the new role, with a mandate focused on encouraging responsible AI adoption across Ontario businesses and industries.
The province says the position will seek to connect Ontario’s research, technology talent and innovation ecosystem with businesses looking to adopt AI and other emerging technologies. The mandate will also include efforts to improve productivity and prepare workers for changing employment requirements, including support for people displaced by AI adoption.
Nina Tangri will serve as Associate Minister of Small Business within the same ministry.
New Sport Minister Among Cabinet Changes
Brian Saunderson has been appointed Minister of Sport. A former Olympic rower, Saunderson brings direct experience in competitive sport to a portfolio the province links with both community development and economic activity.
Zee Hamid serves as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, while Lisa Thompson remains Minister of Rural Affairs and Raymond Cho serves as Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.
Michael Kerzner continues as Solicitor General, and Natalia Kusendova-Bashta takes responsibility for both Long-Term Care and Francophone Affairs.
Associate minister appointments also include Michael Tibollo as Associate Attorney General; Matthew Rae as Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries; Kevin Holland as Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products; Michelle Cooper as Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; Graydon Smith as Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Charmaine Williams as Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.
Auto Theft and Bail Reform Mandate Concludes
The government is ending the Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform position, saying its mandate has been fulfilled.
According to the province, work under the portfolio contributed to stronger bail compliance measures and additional tools for police dealing with repeat offenders, alongside efforts aimed at reducing vehicle theft.
The renewed cabinet will now focus heavily on accelerating major projects, attracting investment, reducing regulatory barriers, speeding approvals and lowering costs.
For Ontario businesses, the reshuffle signals that the Ford government intends to place trade resilience, technology adoption, infrastructure development and investment competitiveness at the heart of its economic agenda as uncertainty surrounding Canada-U.S. trade continues.