McGuinty shuffles cabinet
Premier Dalton McGuinty is shuffling his cabinet this afternoon to underscore the importance of attracting business and new investment to battered Ontario, which has shorn more than 200,000 manufacturing and forestry jobs in the past few years.
Sandra Pupatello moves from economic development to a new international trade and investment ministry.
Her old duties will be taken up by Michael Bryant, who moves from aboriginal affairs and remains House leader.
Labour Minister Brad Duguid succeeds Bryant at the always challenging aboriginal affairs ministry.
Duguid will be replaced by Tourism Minister Peter Fonseca payday loan low fee.
The new tourism minister will be Monique Smith, whose responsibilities as revenue minister will be taken over by Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.
Lieutenant Governor David Onley will swear in McGuinty’s revamped cabinet at 3:30 p.m.
It’s unusual to have a cabinet shuffle just days before a new legislative session, suggesting the premier is highlighting the urgency of Ontario’s sagging economy.