SCOTT SHUFFLED OUT OF CABINET

Ontario Premier Doug Ford shuffled his cabinet today, less than a year before the next election. Among those removed from their posts is Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP, Laurie Scott, who has been replaced as Minister of Infrastructure. As well, Ford moved eight others and promoted seven MPP backbenchers.

Scott will be replaced by Etobicoke Centre MPP, Kinga Surma.

There will also be a new Minister of Long-Term Care. Former Finance Minister Rod Phillips, who resigned from Cabinet in January after violating the pandemic travel guidelines with a trip to St. Barts. He will take over from MPP Merrilee Fullerton, who becomes Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Ford's main COVID-19 team, Health Minister Christine Elliot, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and Education Minister Stephen Lecce, will remain in their posts.

Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Pinnicci becomes Minister of Environment.

Ford said, “Our renewed team is well-positioned to deliver on the priorities that matter to Ontarians, including getting more people back to work, making life more affordable, supporting businesses and job creators, and building transit infrastructure.”

Also gone from cabinet are former Environment Minister Jeff Yurek, former Natural Resources Minister John Yakabuski and former Associate Energy Minister Bill Walker.