Ontario Announces Changes to Parliamentary Assistant Roles

Author: Ron Gersh & Ontario Government

What Are Parliamentary Assistants?

Typically known as a position under the Minister, with responsibilities for the portfolios.

"Parliamentary assistants support ministers with legislative and committee matters, including special projects and assignments that require dedicated leadership. They also play a key role in building relationships and communicating government initiatives across the province."

How Do I Use Them in My Government Relation's Engagement?

TheCCSGroup usually takes the approach of having as many conversations with as many people in government surrounding your issues.

Meeting with these officials can provide you with the following benefits:

• Line-of-sight into the current thinking of Government and specifically the Minister surrounding your issue,
• Some of these officials are close to the Minister, and can be another advocate and supportive voice for your cause.
• In some cases, Parliamentary Assistants are given specific files to ‘oversee’ on behalf of the Minister.  At that point, they can become extremely important in advancing your issue

TORONTO — Today, Premier Doug Ford announced changes to his team of parliamentary assistants to better support the government’s plan to build Ontario.

New parliamentary assistant responsibilities include the following:

• Kevin Holland will serve as Parliamentary Assistant to Minister of Northern Development and as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Affairs

• Matthew Rae will serve as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

• Sheref Sabawy will serve as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery

• Dave Smith will serve as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

In addition, when the legislature resumes the government house leader will move appropriate motions to nominate Goldie Ghamari as chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Vincent Ke as chair of the Standing Committee on Social Policy.

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