Cabinet Shuffle: Lecce Out as Education Minister, In as Energy Minister

Ontario Premier Doug Ford Announces Major Overhaul

Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte, Takes Over Education Portfolio

In a major cabinet shuffle, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has replaced longtime Education Minister Stephen Lecce with Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte. Lecce will now serve as the province's energy and electrification minister.

Lecce, who has served in the education role since 2019, has been a controversial figure during his tenure. He has faced criticism for his handling of labor negotiations with teachers' unions and for implementing curriculum changes that have been unpopular with parents and educators.

Smith, a Progressive Conservative MPP since 2011, has served as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. He is seen as a more moderate figure within the Ford government and is expected to take a less confrontational approach to education policy than Lecce.

The cabinet shuffle comes amidst growing dissatisfaction with the Ford government's handling of the education system. The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) has been engaged in ongoing labor negotiations with the government, and the union has repeatedly criticized Lecce for refusing to address its concerns.

The appointment of Smith as education minister is likely to be met with mixed reactions. Some stakeholders may welcome the change, while others may be concerned about whether Smith has the experience and expertise to lead the province's education system.