Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith is now the minister of natural resources after Premier Doug Ford’s latest cabinet shuffle.
Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, was named as the associate minister of forestry Thursday.
Smith explains the ministry’s name has changed many times over the years with northern development, mine, and forestry among the additional duties added and removed.
“Forestry is still very much part of the ministry of natural resources,” says Smith. However, he explains the change allows him and Quinn to each focus on their portfolios. “It takes up a significant amount of time in a ministry that has many, many different kinds of unit within it that need attention,” adds Smith about the forestry portion of his job.
He clarifies he will continue to work with Quinn on the forestry side of things, just not as closely as when it was part of his title.
The shuffle also saw other moves, notably Stephen Lecce becoming minister of energy and electrification with Todd Smith taking over the education portfolio.
Steve Clark, who resigned from his position as the minister of municipal affairs and housing in Sept. 2023 amidst the Greenbelt controversy, was named government house leader, taking over from Paul Calandra who took over Clark’s portfolio after his resignation.
Ford says his new cabinet will work to rebuild Ontario’s economy, continue work on Hwy. 413 and the Bradford Bypass, fight the carbon tax, and help train people for a career in the skilled trades.
“As our province and economy continue to grow, this is the team that is working side-by-side with workers, businesses, labour partners, Indigenous leaders and every member of Team Ontario to rebuild our economy,” said Ford. “We’re at an important moment in our province’s history with clear choices. Our team is choosing growth and prosperity. We’re choosing lower taxes and better jobs with bigger paycheques.”
In recent weeks, Ford has been asked about the possibility of an election happening before the fixed date of June 4, 2026 but hasn’t committed one way or the other.
“What would social media be without speculation,” responds Smith. “It would be a dull and boring place.”
He says he, along with the premier and the rest of Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario colleagues, will continue to work for the residents of Ontario.
“I’m not one to try and predict the future,” he adds.
Marit Siles, leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, called the shuffle a “hail mary” and “brutal.”
She said at 36 ministers, it’s the biggest cabinet in Ontario’s history. “It’ll take more than musical chairs at the cabinet table to fix this government,” continued Stiles.
Bonnie Crombie, leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, said Ford has “done nothing” on housing, healthcare, or education. She pointed to the recent move to sell alcohol in big box stores is proof the premier’s priorities are out of whack.
“He’s the reverse Robin Hood: he’s taking from you to give to his rich friends,” she said.
