Doug Ford shuffles cabinet, moves labour minister amid ethics investigation
Premier Doug Ford has announced a cabinet shuffle filling three vacant positions, moving David Piccini from labour minister to infrastructure amid an ongoing integrity commissioner investigation.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a cabinet shuffle Thursday that fills three vacant ministerial positions, reframing the moves as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's escalating trade war.
David Piccini moved from Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to infrastructure minister. Trevor Jones takes over the labour portfolio. The shuffle also promotes Kinga Surma from infrastructure to President of the Treasury Board, and names Sam Oosterhoff as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. Zee Hamid becomes Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, replacing Stan Cho.
The reshuffle comes as Ontario's integrity commissioner continues investigating whether Piccini contravened provincial laws in his handling of the Skills Development Fund. The auditor general determined the fund's allocation process was not "fair, transparent or accountable." One company that received millions from the fund was run by a dentist whose patients allegedly included members of Ford's family. Piccini attended a Toronto Maple Leafs game in rinkside seats belonging to Peter Zakarow, whose company also received millions from the fund. Piccini has denied allegations of wrongdoing.
Ford told reporters the transfer was "a good move" and a "natural move." The premier did not directly address the investigation when asked whether the shuffle was related to it.
The changes also follow Stan Cho's resignation as minister of tourism, culture and gaming after he came under fire for billing taxpayers $16,000 for Toronto hotel stays despite living in the city. Neil Lumsden resigned last month as minister of sport and as MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek. Caroline Mulroney resigned as Treasury Board President and MPP in June.
The integrity commissioner investigation remains ongoing, with no confirmed timeline for completion.
What specific findings has the integrity commissioner's investigation produced so far, and when is it expected to conclude?
How much in total did Piccini allocate from the Skills Development Fund, and how many organizations received grants under his administration?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
Who is Ontario's new infrastructure minister?
David Piccini is Ontario's new infrastructure minister, having moved to the role from Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Why is David Piccini under investigation?
Ontario's integrity commissioner is investigating whether Piccini contravened provincial laws in his handling of the Skills Development Fund. The auditor general found the fund's allocation process was not 'fair, transparent or accountable.'
Who replaced Zee Hamid as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming?
Zee Hamid became Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming on Thursday, September 10, 2026, replacing Stan Cho, who resigned after billing taxpayers $16,000 for Toronto hotel stays despite living in the city.
