Premier Doug Ford shuffled his cabinet Wednesday, saying the changes are meant to put Ontario on stronger long-term footing as U.S. President Donald Trump escalates his trade war with Canada.
“Ontario won’t back down,” Ford said in a statement announcing the new Executive Council, adding the government is “preparing for the long haul” while building what he called the most competitive, resilient economy in the G7.
Most ministers keep their portfolios, but the shuffle creates a new Associate Minister of Artificial Intelligence Adoption role, going to Vijay Thanigasalam under the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. The province says the new position will focus on helping Ontario businesses adopt AI, boost productivity, and support workers displaced by the technology.
The Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform role, held previously to push through stricter bail rules and anti-auto-theft measures, has been wound down after the government said that mandate was fulfilled. Brian Saunderson, a former Olympic rower, moves into the Minister of Sport role.
Sylvia Jones remains Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Peter Bethlenfalvy stays as Finance Minister, and Vic Fedeli continues as Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the ministry leading Ontario’s response to U.S. tariffs.
Source: Ontario Newsroom, Sept. 10, 2026.
