Sylvia Jones front runner for health minister: sources

Premier Doug Ford appears to be leaning towards Sylvia Jones as the new Minister of Health, sources tell CityNews.

Jones, an MPP since 2007, was previously Solicitor General and played a key role in the government’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health portfolio is considered the biggest role to fill following the departure of Christine Elliott, who chose not to run again in the June 2 election.

Multiple sources also tell CityNews that newly elected MPP Michael Ford, the Premier’s nephew, is likely to be given a cabinet post along with another first time MPP, George Pirie. The former mayor is likely to be rewarded him for becoming the first PC MPP in 32 years to be elected from Timmins.

While Ford denied on Tuesday he plans to break up the health portfolio, there does appear to be changes coming in other ministries. Sources tell CityNews that the Ministry of Colleges may be folded into the Ministry of Labour, where Monte McNaughton is expected to remain as minister. It’s also believed mining may be given its own separate portfolio.

Sources also say Stephen Lecce will return as Minister of Education, while Peter Bethlenfalvy will remain as Minister of Finance. Lisa MacLeod, however, is not expected to return to cabinet.

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One of Lecce’s first priorities may be to prevent a possible labour disruption. Education unions delivered a strong message on Wednesday, leaving open the possibility of a strike.

“My co-workers and I are calling for increased staffing in schools… as well as real wage increases above that of the rate of inflation,” said Laura Walton, president of CUPE’s Ontario School Board Council of Unions.

Wages have been capped at one per cent for the last three years. Statistics Canada reported Wednesday inflation rose to 7.7 per cent in May – its highest level in nearly 40 years.

The Ford government had a testy relationship with educators during its first term, butting heads on everything from increased class sizes to mandatory online learning. The unions responded with protests and rolling strikes, and they indicated they have not ruled out similar actions in the future.

“Strikes aren’t made just by a union,” said Walton. “All of this can be avoided.”

Government sources tell CityNews the main priority will be to keep students in schools without any disruptions. They would not say if that meant legislating educators back to work or make them an essential service.

Premier Ford will swear in his new cabinet at 11:15 a.m. Friday in a ceremony that was moved from inside Queen’s Park to outside in front of the legislature building.

CityNews will have full coverage of the ceremony.

Files from Cynthia Mulligan were used in this report