Two months after Premier Ford announced major changes to his Cabinet, he lost a top-performing minister, prompting a late summer shake-up at the Cabinet table. Now, with 37 ministers, Premier Ford has broken his own record of having the largest Cabinet in Ontario’s history. From a new Education Minister to Cabinet promotions, here’s what you need to know.     

Why now? 

• Todd Smith, the well-liked MPP for Bay of Quinte and Ontario’s Minister of Education, unexpectedly resigned last week to return to the private sector.   
• Some have speculated Smith, who served as MPP for 13 years, was unhappy with his move to the Education portfolio, having previously served as Energy Minister for 3 years.   

What’s changing?

• Jill Dunlop takes the helm at Education, moving on from Colleges and Universities.  
• Nolan Quinn, rookie MPP for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry and former Associate Minister of Forestry, becomes Minister of Colleges and Universities.  
• First-time MPP for Thunder Bay—Atikokan, Kevin Holland, is promoted to Cabinet, taking on the role of Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products.  
• Graham McGregor, MPP for Brampton North, joins Cabinet as Associate Minister for Auto Theft and Bail Reform under Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.   

Why it matters

As the Ford government contemplates an early election call, Smith’s resignation is a major loss for the PCs. Well-regarded across party lines, Smith was a top-performing minister and a strong voice for eastern Ontario at the Cabinet table. Despite this, the Premier leveraged it as an opportunity for several promotions, which will help build the profiles of caucus members before the next provincial election.  

Byelection watch: Following Minister Smith’s abrupt resignation, Premier Ford has six months to call a byelection in the PC stronghold of Bay of Quinte. 

Source: Navigator