Ontario’s new government under Premier Doug Ford was sworn in at Queen’s Park on Friday, June 30. Following the announcement of the ministers in Ford’s cabinet, the Parliamentary Assistants (PA) were revealed. Parry Sound Muskoka MPP Norm Miller will be the PA to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, a responsibility that Premier Ford himself has taken on.
According to a government media release, “Parliamentary Assistants support ministers with legislative and committee matters, including special projects and assignments that require dedicated leadership. They also play a key role in building relationships and communicating government initiatives across the province.”
Miller says he’s excited about his new role.
“I think it’s going to be a really interesting job both in terms of intergovernmental affairs with other provinces but of course with all of the things happening in the States as well,” Miller said. “I know that the Premier, Doug Ford, has said that he wants to personally meet with all the neighbouring (American) states to try to develop good relations with those states. It’s a unique job, and one that I’m excited to take on.”
He added that, “certainly with the US, trying to get the best trade relations we can makes sense but also with our other provinces—lower tariff barriers on goods and services made in Ontario going to neighbouring provinces whether it’s beer made in Muskoka or Parry Sound or canoes made in South River by Swift Canoe. To get favourable relations so they can prosper and so we can create jobs here in Ontario and in Parry Sound Muskoka.”
Miller thinks Ford’s cabinet team is a strong one, and he’s looking forward to meeting with some of the new ministers regarding issues in Parry Sound Muskoka.
“I’m really happy to see Christine Elliott as the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health (and Long-Term Care). Obviously hospitals and issues are really important to our riding, so I’m thrilled for her, I think she’s going to do a great job,” said Miller. “The new Minister of Infrastructure is Monte McNaughton, so I’m looking forward to speaking to him as soon as possible about the Muskoka Centre (in Gravenhurst). I think there’s a really strong team and I’m looking forward to getting Ontario back on track. Good days ahead I think for the province.”
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