Photo: MNR
Mike Harris was named Minister of Natural Resources on March 19 as Premier Doug Ford unveiled a new cabinet following the Progressive Conservative government’s Feb. 27 election to a third consecutive term.
Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga, will replace Graydon Smith as Minister of Natural Resources. Smith, re-elected MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, was named Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Harris, the son of former Ontario Premier Mike Harris, previously served as the minister of red tape reduction following a 2024 cabinet shuffle. The 40-year-old assumed office in 2019, and is not related to his predecessor, Michael Harris.
Smith was appointed then-Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry minister in June 2022, before forestry was dropped from the portfolio in June 2024. Smith replaced Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski, who served three years in the role as part of Ford’s first cabinet.
Other changes
Some MPPs responsibilities were also changed, officials stated. New Environment, Conservation, and Parks Minister Todd McCarthy now has responsibility over conservation authorities, while Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce and Energy-Intensive Industries Associate Minister Sam Oosterhoff now have responsibility over broadband expansion.
Kevin Holland was also named Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, as part of the MNR.
Well, I find myself having very mixed feelings in regards to Mike Harris (Jr.) being appointed as minister of MNR. I sure hope that Mike Harris Jr. the new appointee will invest heavily in restoring jobs at the MNR as well as improving this agency of the Provincial government. Unfortunately Mike Harris Sr. had a totally different opinion of the then MNR, creating a huge set of fiscal cuts that caused significant damage to a once proud public serving ministry.
Best of luck with your new portfolio Mr. Harris!