D'O named parliamentary assistant for aboriginal affairs

NEWS RELEASES

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

OFFICE OF THE PREMIER OF ONTARIO

******************** Orazietti appointed parliamentary assistant to Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs

Queen's Park - Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti has been appointed by Premier McGuinty as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs.

"It has been a very positive experience working closely with Gerard Kennedy, Minister of Education, to implement our government's education platform and strengthen Ontario's publicly funded education system," said Orazietti. "In our first two years we have invested nearly $2 billion in new funding, reached historic four-year labour agreements with teachers, created a $4 billion fund for school infrastructure improvements and have introduced numerous initiatives to help ensure our young people reach their maximum potential."

"I appreciate the confidence that Premier McGuinty has in me to serve in the capacity as PA to the Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs," said Orazietti. "As a northern member, both portfolios have significant impact locally and regionally. I look forward to working with Minister David Ramsay as we continue to develop strategies to best utilize Ontario’s resources and serve Ontario's Aboriginal peoples."

"As a northerner David Orazietti has a great understanding and knowledge of natural resource and aboriginal issues," said David Ramsay Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. "I am very pleased that David has been appointed as my parliamentary assistant, his enthusiasm will be a big asset to us."

Parliamentary Assistants carry out duties assigned by their minister or the Premier.

Their responsibilities may include carrying bills through the house or its committees on behalf of their ministers, leading ministry consultations with the public and taking responsibility for specific programs or policy initiatives.

****************** Premier McGuinty strengthens team by appointing MPPs to key positions

QUEEN'S PARK, Nov. 2 - Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty today announced the following Members of Provincial Parliament will serve as Parliamentary Assistants to ministers of the provincial Cabinet: New assignments Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children and Youth Services Linda Jeffrey Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation Phil McNeely Parliamentary assistants serving new ministers Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs David Orazietti Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy Jeff Leal Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Jean-Marc Lalonde *********************