Ford Government Shuffle: What You Need to Know

This afternoon Premier Doug Ford announced another shuffle to his Cabinet. These changes come only three weeks after a shuffle earlier in September that was prompted by the resignation of then Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark. This afternoon’s Cabinet shuffle was more unexpected, prompted by the abrupt resignation on Thursday of Khaleed Rasheed, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery, amid scrutiny of a Vegas trip with developers linked to the Greenbelt controversy.

Adding to this turbulent period, this morning, Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, announced that he was stepping away from politics and public service to pursue a “job in the private sector.” While this resignation is unrelated to the Greenbelt controversy, it could not have come at a worse time for the Conservatives, requiring more changes to cabinet.

Like the shuffle in early September, today’s changes follow the Premier’s preference for minor changes to the front and back benches, with some members gaining promotions. The changes made in today’s shuffle are noted below:

What Happens Next  

The legislative session is scheduled to resume this upcoming Monday on September 25th, 2023. We expect a Chief of Staff shuffle will follow today’s announcement, with staffing changes in both Minister’s Offices and the Premier’s Office to take place over the coming weeks.  

Given the recent media attention and scrutiny, we expect the Legislature to resume with a strong emphasis around the housing file. Minister Calandra has held multiple press conferences highlighting the renewed approach the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will take to prioritize transparency and process moving forward, starting with the reversal of the Greenbelt lands decision. Without doubt, this will dominate Question Period and test the resiliency of the Ford government.  

Todd McCarthy’s appointment as the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery is the quickest promotion within Cabinet to date. The MPP for Durham was recently appointed as the Associate Minister of Transportation just three weeks ago, and will have a busy legislative session ahead, with the Ministry expected to unveil new Consumer Protection legislation in October. McCarthy, a successful lawyer, is widely respected by the caucus, and pushed for the role of Public and Business Service Delivery.

Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has become an important portfolio in the Ford government, with significant focus around building Ontario’s labour force to “Build Ontario”. McNaughton was well respected by both Caucus and stakeholders – perceived as a steadfast player in the Ford government and speculated as a possible leadership successor. Therefore, David Piccini, the former Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, has a significant undertaking ahead of him. His time and performance while in Cabinet has given the Premier the confidence that he is capable of leading this important portfolio.  

With Minister Piccini shuffled to Labour, it is a natural that his former Parliamentary Assistant, Andrea Khanjin transitions to Minister, as she will have a foundation in the role the Ministry plays in the government's priorities. Recently appointed as the Deputy Government House Leader, she is respected by the Premier, and has an extensive portfolio background. Labelled an “up and comer” since first elected in 2018, we can expect Khanjin to produce results.  

The Legislature has 10 weeks of legislative sessions before the close of 2023. During this time, we anticipate the unveiling of several government bills, including a Fall Housing Bill, Fall Economic Statement and the next iteration of Red Tape Reduction Package.