Vic Fedeli is now Minister of Finance in Doug Ford's 21-member cabinet.
It's a key role as Ford has promised to cut income taxes, dump the province’s cap-and-trade system on carbon emissions and help Ontario to a budget surplus.
Callander Mayor Hec Lavigne told BayToday, "That is great news and what was expected. Big challenges ahead!", while North Bay Mayor Al McDonald said, "He worked hard and is very deserving of this important post. On behalf of the city of North Bay, we congratulate our MPP and we look forward to working with the Minister of Finance."
Near North District School Board Chair David Thompson is looking forward to better treatment for Nipissing, "This is a huge task that Vic has been given and there are many uncertainties in our economy. But I know he is up to the challenge. As well I'm looking forward to seeing significant new investment in North Bay instead of Sudbury!"
And councillor added, "I was pleased to see MPP Vic Fedeli receive his appointment as Minister of Finance with the new Provincial cabinet. While there were some concerns that it could have gone to another high profile MPP, no one has put in as much work as Vic has to rebuild his party and especially with his regular "Focus on Finance" reports, to give thoughtful input to the Provinces finances. As a former Mayor of North Bay Vic was always keenly aware of the challenges to Municipal finances that could only be addressed by a higher level of government, and now as Minister of Finance, he is uniquely positioned to take on those challenges. While nothing will happen overnight, I look forward to following his efforts to balance both the need for restraint and the need for growing services for Municipalities and the Province."
Here's how the cabinet looks.
Doug Ford — Premier and minister of intergovernmental affairs
Christine Elliott is Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-term Care
Greg Rickford, Kenora-Rainy River, served as the Minister of Natural Resources in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and becomes Ontario's new Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. and Indigenous affairs.
Rod Phillips: becomes Minister of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks
Laurie Scott is Minister of Labour
Lisa Thompson is Minister of Education
Merrilee Fullerton is Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
Raymond Cho is Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
Monte McNaughton is Minister of Infrastructure
Jeff Yurek is Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
Caroline Mulroney — Attorney general and minister responsible for Francophone affairs
Lisa MacLeod — Minister of children, community and social services and minister responsible for women's issues
Todd Smith — Minister of government and consumer services, and government house leader
Laurie Scott — Minister of labour
Peter Bethlenfalvy — President of the Treasury Board
Steve Clark — Minister of municipal affairs and housing
Ernie Hardeman — Minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs
Sylvia Jones — Minister of tourism, culture and sport
Michael Tibollo — Minister of community safety and correctional services
Jim Wilson — Minister of economic development, job creation and trade
John Yakabuski — Minister of transportation
In his public address Ford said, "To our newly sworn-in Cabinet, and to our skilled team of all-star MPPs, we have a critical task ahead of us. It will mean long days, hard work, and personal sacrifices, but I know our team is ready. We are ready to roll up our sleeves, ready to get the job done, and no matter what, we must never forget that we owe this opportunity to the people of Ontario!"
