Sylvia Jones promoted as Solicitor General

Written By MIKE BAKER

Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones was one of the main beneficiaries as Ontario Premier Doug Ford carried out a major reshuffling of his cabinet this week.

Promoted from her previous role as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Ms. Jones was officially handed the Community Safety and Correctional Services portfolio on Nov. 5, replacing Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge. Mr. Tibollo found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons last month as he faces allegations of professional misconduct by his law firm and a failure to pay debts. He will take over the vacated Tourism, Culture and Sport file.

Ms. Jones, who was elected for a fourth term in June's provincial election with 53 percent of the local vote, took to social media following her appointment to show her appreciation for being trusted with what is a big promotion at Queen's Park.

“Honoured to be sworn in as Ontario's Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. I look forward to my new role and continuing to deliver on our commitments for the people of Ontario,” Ms. Jones wrote.

“Thank you (Premier Ford) for your confidence. I am humbled to serve the people of Ontario as Minister of (Community Safety and Correctional Services). It is an honour to work with our police, firefighters and correctional officers to make sure they have the tools they need to keep Ontario residents safe,” Ms. Jones added, in a separate post.

Under the new portfolio, Ms. Jones will be responsible for ensuring that Ontario's communities are supported and protected by law enforcement and public safety systems that are safe, secure, effective, efficient and accountable. The ministry's responsibilities fall into three key categories – correctional services, public safety and security and policing services.

The ministry establishes, maintains, operates and monitors Ontario's adult correctional institutions and probation and parole offices, coordinates public safety initiatives among municipal fire and emergency services organizations, as well as overseeing the Ontario Provincial Police.

In total, Premier Ford made as many as six changes to his cabinet in Tuesday's announcement. The move was sparked by the abrupt resignation of Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson from his position as Minister of Economic Development on Nov. 2. It was also revealed that Mr. Wilson, a close confidant of the premier, was leaving the PC party, planning to serve as an independent member at Queen's Park.

The Premier's Office addressed the departure in a brief release to media following the announcement, stating Mr. Wilson was stepping aside to seek treatment for addiction issues. It was then revealed on Monday (Nov. 5) that allegations of sexual misconduct were the reason for Mr. Wilson's sudden resignation, although that has yet to be confirmed by Mr. Wilson or the Premier's Office.