Highlights from Ontario Cabinet Shuffle

June 13, 2016

Ontario Premier Premier Kathleen Wynne today announced changes to her cabinet, including a number of changes of interest to the library and information management community.

Deb Matthews remains Deputy Premier and, as Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, will lead Ontario’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. Mitzie Hunter takes on the role of Minister of Education, preparing our youngest learners for success. Together, Matthews and Hunter will focus on building the highly skilled workforce that is key to Ontario’s future economic success.

Matthews also becomes Ontario’s first Minister Responsible for Digital Government. In this new role, she will help Ontario become a North American leader in accelerating how citizens engage and interact with government through the power of digital technology.

Introducing a Minister Responsible for Digital Government

Information technology is changing the way Ontarians work, play and access public services. The Minister Responsible for Digital Government will ensure Ontario is the most modern and digital government in Canada. In Ontario, new IT initiatives and partnerships help people renew their driver’s licence online and access data about government programs. The government is creating a Chief Digital Officer, a Deputy Minister-level position reporting to the Minister Responsible for Digital Government, to help co-ordinate the government’s efforts in delivering services and working with citizens online.

This will be the first time Ontario has had a minister specifically responsible for Digital Government. The minister will ensure Ontario becomes a North American leader in accelerating the way citizens engage and interact with their government through the power of digital technology.

Ministers for Portfolios of Interest to the LIS/IM Community:

Deb Matthews

• Deputy Premier
• Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development
• Chair of Cabinet
• Minister Responsible for Digital Government

Elizabeth Sandals

• President of the Treasury Board

David Zimmer

• Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Bob Chiarelli

• Minister of Infrastructure

Michael Coteau

• Minister of Children and Youth Services
• Minister Responsible for Anti-Racism

William Mauro

• Minister of Municipal Affairs

Mitzie Hunter

• Minister of Education

Marie-France Lalonde

• Minister of Government and Consumer Services
• Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs

Mary McMahon

• Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport