Ontario Premier Doug Ford has officially unveiled his new cabinet during a swearing-in ceremony held at the Royal Ontario Museum on March 19, 2025. This pivotal event followed the Progressive Conservatives' recent election victory, marking their third consecutive majority. The cabinet's structure remains primarily intact, although a few high-profile ministerial shifts have taken place.
In a notable move, Paul Calandra has been appointed Minister of Education, stepping into the role previously held by Jill Dunlop, who now serves as the Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. Meanwhile, Rob Flack, a relative newcomer, has been entrusted with the significant portfolio of Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Flack, who hails from a background in farming and business, was first elected as the Progressive Conservative MPP for Elgin—Middlesex—London in the 2022 general election. His cabinet promotion comes after serving as the associate minister of housing before being named Agriculture Minister last June.
In further adjustments, Stephen Lecce retains his role as Minister of Energy but now oversees Mines as well. George Pirie, who had a previous tenure in Mines, has transitioned into the role of Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. Another pivotal appointment is Todd McCarthy, who replaces Andrea Khanjin as the new Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Khanjin has now taken on the role of Minister of Red Tape Reduction.
The cabinet was expected to maintain its 37-member structure, echoing its size since Ford first took office. The premier hinted at potential changes during a conversation with reporters, emphasizing the importance of placing the “best players on the ice.” This sentiment was further echoed on March 18, while addressing the media about his goals for the new administration.
Completing the cabinet shakeup, Zee Hamid has been brought into the cabinet fold as the Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform, previously held by Graham McGregor, who has transitioned to the position of Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
The anticipation surrounding cabinet changes was palpable in the lead-up to the swearing-in ceremony, as Conservative strategists expressed expectations of only minor adjustments. The cabinet's duties will center around supporting Ford's plans following a campaign that prominently featured U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats, an issue that Ford has pledged to manage closely.
On Wednesday, March 19, current progressive Conservative MPPs were sworn in, including Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles, who joined three new Ontario NDP MPPs as they began to take their oaths before the legislative assembly resumes on April 14.
Laryssa Waler, a political strategist and founder of Henley Strategies, suggested that Ford's intent to enhance cabinet stability would be key to reinforcing his leadership style. She noted, “I don't think any of that is a message of change, so I would be surprised to see change.” Waler further delineated the variables influencing ministerial assignments, including regional representation and experience, asserting that these considerations often dictate Ford’s decisions.
“Sometimes it makes sense to change them, often it doesn’t,” she stated, elaborating on the complexities of cabinet selection and the impact of moving ministers engaged in active negotiations, such as Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
As Ford prepares to take on potential challenges, including the upcoming tariffs from the U.S., it’s clear that his cabinet is being designed with an emphasis on managing these critical issues. Ford’s appointment of former minister Graham McGregor into a new role acknowledges the importance of continuity in representation and negotiations at Queen's Park.
The final composition of the cabinet is as follows: Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs; Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health; Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness; Doug Downey, Attorney General; Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; and many others, maintaining a robust lineup to propel the province's agenda forward.
As the government's legislative agenda unfolds over the coming months, the newly sworn-in cabinet members will have the opportunity to advance their respective portfolios amidst a changing political landscape in Ontario.
