I am pleased to announce that effective immediately I will be assuming the role of Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, replacing my long-time colleague David Orazietti who has stepped down from provincial politics. I remain Minister of Labour and continue to proudly represent the people of Oakville as MPP. Earlier today, I was sworn in as Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services by Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell in her suite at Queen's Park.
This is a transitional appointment until a permanent decision is made and I am delighted to take on this new role. I look forward to working with the fine women and men in law enforcement and correctional services, in addition to the Ministry staff, as Ontario moves to modernize public safety and works to transform our correctional system.
David will be sorely missed at Queens Park. I admired him deeply for his common sense approach to important matters and for his forthright manner. Always committed and caring, David was extremely effective as a Cabinet Minister and as a representative of the people of Sault Ste. Marie. Public service is a great honour but it is not without its sacrifices. I'm confident that David's decision to spend more time with his family is the right one and will be immensely rewarding. I wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.
I offer my sincere thanks to Premier Wynne for her confidence in my ability to follow in David's footsteps and to take on this vital role in addition to my current responsibilities. I would also like to acknowledge and thank my team, both at the Ministry of Labour and my Oakville Constituency Office, for their unwavering support and commitment to serving the people of Ontario along with me.