Ford says cabinet shuffle prepares Ontario for long tariff fight

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reshuffled his cabinet as his government prepares for a prolonged trade dispute with the United States over tariffs. The changes were announced Thursday and include a new associate minister role focused on artificial intelligence adoption, while a separate associate minister portfolio tied to auto theft and bail reform is being phased out. The shuffle affects nine members of provincial parliament. Among the main changes, Kinga Surma moved from infrastructure to president of the Treasury Board, David Piccini shifted from labour to infrastructure, and Trevor Jones took over the labour, immigration, training and skills development file. Other appointments include Zee Hamid becoming tourism, culture and gaming minister, Vijay Thanigasalam taking on the new AI role, Michelle Cooper joining cabinet in mental health and addictions, and Brian Saunderson becoming minister of sport. Ford said the changes are meant to strengthen Ontario’s response to U.S. tariffs and protect workers and jobs over the long term. He also said the province needs a more resilient and selfreliant economy. The move comes as Piccini remains under an integrity commission investigation related to the Skills Development Fund, and NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford for keeping him in cabinet.