Mike Harris gets new cabinet position as Minister of Natural Resources

Mike Harris Jr., Ontario PC candidate for Kitchener-Conestoga. (Facebook)

Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled his new cabinet Wednesday and, while most high-profile ministers kept their portfolios, one local politician is taking on a new role.

Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris is now the province’s minister of natural resources, a position formerly filled by Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith.

Smith is now the associate minister of municipal affairs and housing.

Harris’ new job follows a stint as minister of red tape reduction, which now moves to Barris-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin.

Other appointments

Those keeping their appointments include Peter Bethlenfalvy, who will stay on as minister of finance, while Sylvia Jones remains health minister and deputy premier. Stephen Lecce also keeps his portfolio in energy and mines.

Paul Calandra, however, is moving from municipal affairs and housing. He’ll now become become the education minister, while Jill Dunlop moves from education to emergency preparedness and response.

• MORE: Doug Ford unveils new cabinet with few changes to major portfolios

A press release from the premier’s office stated their mandate was “to do whatever is necessary to protect Ontario in the face of tariffs from the United States, while building a stronger, more competitive and resilient economy.”