Bullet News
Veteran St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley will return to his job as environment minister when the new provincial government of premier-designate Kathleen Wynne is sworn in today, according to the Toronto Star.
Bradley is the longest serving member of the Legislature. There was speculation that this might be the end of the road for the venerable politician, but in the end Wynne determined Niagara still needed a voice around the cabinet table.
Charles Sousa is said to be taking over at finance for the retiring Dwight Duncan. Sandra Pupatello was reportedly offered finance, but Wynne could not convince her to leave Bay Street to return to Queen’s Park. Wynne finished ahead of Pupatello in the recent Liberal leadership convention.
Deb Matthews will retain her post as health minister. That is good news for those in Niagara who back the construction of a new south-end hospital. Matthews, also about to become deputy premier, knows the file well and likely won’t have to be convinced of its merits. She appointed Kevin Smith to his current role as Niagara Health System supervisor.
Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor said he did not ask for a cabinet seat – and Wynne granted his wish. Look for him to return as parliamentary secretary to Tourism Minister Michael Chan, who is keeping his job.
Laurel Broten takes the biggest hit. She is being demoted from the education portfolio to minister of intergovernmental affairs in favour of newcomer Liz Sandals. She is a a three-term MPP from Guelph and former Ontario School Boards Association president.
Click here to read the full report from The Star.
