Our representative at Queen's Park is stepping into a new leadership position that will shape infrastructure development across Ontario.
David Piccini, who has served as MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South since 2018, was appointed Minister of Infrastructure on Thursday as part of Premier Doug Ford's cabinet reorganization. The move shifts Piccini from his role as Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, a position he held since 2023.
In his new capacity, Piccini will oversee how the province plans and funds infrastructure projects, including initiatives that support local communities and enable housing development. The ministry also manages Infrastructure Ontario and the Transit-Oriented Communities Program, giving him significant influence over major construction and development priorities throughout the province.
Trevor Jones will take over the labour portfolio Piccini is leaving behind.
The cabinet shuffle comes as the Ford government positions itself to address ongoing trade tensions with the United States. According to PTBO Today, Ford indicated the changes aim to assemble a team capable of protecting Ontario jobs and workers while strengthening the province's economic resilience.
Piccini's appointment was one of several announced Thursday. Sam Oosterhoff will now serve as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, while Brian Saunderson takes on the role of Minister of Sport. The government also created an entirely new position—Associate Minister of Artificial Intelligence Adoption—which will be filled by Vijay Thanigasalam.
Throughout his tenure at Queen's Park, Piccini has held multiple cabinet positions, bringing experience from various ministries to his new infrastructure role. His appointment places a local representative in a key position to influence how provincial dollars flow to communities like ours for roads, transit, and development projects.
