Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled his new cabinet at a swearing-in ceremony held at the Royal Ontario Museum on March 19, 2025. In a stern address, Ford highlighted the significant challenges facing the province, notably the threat of a breakdown in free trade with the United States, which he described as one of the most pressing issues in Ontario's history.
Ford's remarks seemed directly aimed at U.S. President Donald Trump, cautioning against tariffs and protectionism. He warned that continued economic pressure could lead to massive closures in U.S. manufacturing hubs. “Factory floors and assembly lines across the American Rust Belt and deep in red states will close down, causing mass layoffs, the likes of which the U.S. hasn't seen in a generation,” Ford stated, emphasizing the urgency of collaboration rather than conflict in trade relations.
Quoting former U.S. President Ronald Reagan's 1988 radio address, Ford declared, “Our peaceful trading partners are not our enemies; they are our allies.” He warned about demagogues readying for trade wars, stressing the potential harm to the economy, national security, and international relations. While he pledged to address U.S. tariffs vigorously, Ford indicated that tackling these issues would require a collective, multi-ministerial effort within his cabinet.
The cabinet reshuffle introduced minimal changes, retaining key figures for stability amidst uncertainty. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy retained his position, underscoring the need for consistency as families face rising costs and economic pressures. Paul Calandra, a veteran of the previous cabinet known for managing the fallout from the Greenbelt scandal, was transferred from his role as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to the crucial education sector.
Calandra's promotion reflects the ongoing need for strong leadership amid educational challenges, particularly as Ontario grapples with serious issues such as large class sizes and teacher retention. “With public education facing persistent challenges — large class sizes, inadequate supports for students with special needs, a deepening teacher recruitment and retention crisis, and increasing violence in schools — Ontario’s students, families, and educators cannot afford more of the same failed policies,” stated the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario in a statement.
In appointing Calandra, Stephen Lecce, the former Minister of Education, praised him as an “experienced leader,” noting that the province's “two million kids are going to depend on his leadership to land deals and keep kids in school.” This is particularly critical as Calandra becomes the fourth minister to oversee education in less than a year, a sign of instability within that portfolio.
Jill Dunlop, previously serving in education, has shifted to the role of Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, while Rob Flack takes over as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Flack, a newcomer recognized for his background in agriculture and previous association with housing, must navigate the complex landscape post-Greenbelt scandal.
Ford’s cabinet also sees Trevor Jones newly appointed as Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness, maintaining an essential focus on Ontario’s vast agricultural resources. Additionally, Stephen Lecce has absorbed responsibilities as Minister of Energy and Mines, advocating for the accelerated mining of critical minerals, particularly from northern Ontario's Ring of Fire, emphasizing their importance in the wake of American tariff threats.
In the cabinet's restructuring, George Pirie transitions from Minister of Mines to Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. He pointed out that these shifts are significant in maintaining focus on revitalizing Ontario's economic framework while addressing the interrelated issues brought on by U.S. trade policy and domestic challenges.
Among other notable appointments, Todd McCarthy takes over as Minister of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks, while Stephen Crawford assumes the role of Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. This reshuffle indicates Ford’s strategic thinking in aligning ministers to tackle economic recovery amidst increasing trade tensions and domestic needs.
The newly appointed cabinet keeps the total number of ministers at 37, demonstrating Ford’s commitment to maintaining a broad representation. In a statement prior to the cabinet unveiling, Premier Ford remarked, “I have to make sure I put the proper cabinet ministers in based on the mandate we received from the people.”
However, the opposition expressed concerns regarding the cabinet's composition. NDP leader Marit Stiles remarked, “People are worried about the future of our province and our country. They are struggling to afford groceries; they can’t find a family doctor or an affordable place to live.” Such sentiments point to the pressure Ford faces to address pressing issues beyond trade politics.
The full list of new cabinet ministers includes notable positions such as:
- 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
- Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
- Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
- Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
- Paul Calandra, Minister of Education
- Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines
- Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
- Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance
- Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation
- Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources
- George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth
- Stephen Crawford, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement
- Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction
- Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs
- Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility
- Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General
- Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport
- Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
- Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation
- Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Francophone Affairs
- Michael Tibollo, Associate Attorney General
- Zee Hamid, Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform
- Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries
- Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products
- Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
- Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business
- Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
As Ford continues to face the realities of governance amid significant challenges, the performance of this cabinet will be crucial to whether they can lead Ontario into a more stable economic future.
