Top Ontario cabinet appointees identified
Monday, February 11, 2013 by: Rick McGee
Media reports are revealing the names of provincial Liberal veterans and newcomers who will hold Ontario's most important cabinet jobs.
Charles Sousa (Mississauga South) is expected to be named treasurer when Premier-designate Kathleen Wynne (shown, Don Valley West) unveils her new cabinet later today.
Sousa will inherit massive problems.
Outgoing provincial treasurer Dwight Duncan (Windsor-Tecumseh) last month called the province's desperate financial situation a "a ticking time bomb."
Backbencher Liz Sandals (Guelph) will take over the tough education portfolio from beleaguered Laurel Broten (Etobicoke-Lakeshore).
That means Sandals will be dealing with thousands of unhappy teachers, students and teachers across the province.
Some recent polling showed most respondents identifying peace with teachers as their highest priority.
Bob Chiarelli (Ottawa West-Nepean) will take over another hot spot.
As the new energy minister, he'll be at the forefront in handling ongoing flak from the Liberals' gas-fired power plants spending scandal.
Glen Murray (Toronto Centre) will take over Chiarelli's transportation post.
The man often touted as the provincial Liberal's brightest young light will also move into cabinet for the first time.
Ottawa Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi is expected to become labour minister.
It seems Deb Matthews (London North Centre) will likely remain in health and, perhaps, become deputy premier.
Besides being premier, Wynne will be agriculture minister.
Additional coverage will follow.
