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Ontario Premier Doug Ford moved to reshape his cabinet on Thursday, filling at least three vacant ministerial posts in a shuffle his office described as part of efforts to put the province on solid ground amid the ongoing trade war with the United States.
Ford’s office offered few details ahead of the announcement. However, officials confirmed the shuffle was taking place and framed it as a response to the economic pressures created by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
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Three Vacancies Drive the Cabinet Reshuffle
The premier faced the task of filling three ministerial gaps. Ford lost several cabinet members in recent months, leaving him with a smaller team than he had earlier in the year.
Former Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney was among those who departed the legislature. After her exit, Ford appointed Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy to hold both the finance and treasury board roles simultaneously. However, the premier may now look to appoint someone new to the treasury post as part of Thursday’s changes.
Stan Cho also left the cabinet after facing criticism over his spending. Cho resigned as minister of tourism, culture and gaming following reports that he spent $16,000 on Toronto hotel stays despite living in the city. The controversy drew significant public attention and ultimately cost him his position.
Further Departures Ahead of the Shuffle
In addition to Cho’s resignation, Neil Lumsden stepped down last month. Lumsden resigned both as minister of sport and as the member of provincial parliament for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.
Together, the three departures left Ford with several key positions to fill. The shuffle therefore became necessary to restore a full cabinet and maintain stable governance during a period of economic uncertainty.
Ford has consistently pointed to the U.S. trade war as a priority concern for his government. By framing the cabinet changes around economic stability, the premier signaled that his new team would focus on managing the pressures facing Ontario businesses and workers. Further details on the new ministerial appointments were expected later Thursday.
