Ford to possibly reveal cabinet within weeks, budget within month

Premier Doug Ford could announce his new slate of ministers at some point in the next two weeks, sources tell CityNews.

The biggest question when it comes to a new Ford cabinet is, who will be replacing outgoing minister of health, Christine Elliott?

Elliott announced back in March that she decided not to run in this past week’s election. At the time, Ford said, “you can never replace someone like her, she leaves big shoes to fill.”

Sources also tell CityNews its likely the premier recalls the legislature to pass a budget bill within the next month.

When asked about the 2022 budget at a news conference this past Friday, Ford said it will be reintroduced with “a few tweaks,” but that it will be very similar to what was presented in the spring.

Ford gave no timelines on selecting cabinet ministers or bringing back the legislature.

There are plenty of questions across the aisle as well, namely who is going to throw their hat in the ring for party leadership of the NDP and the Liberals. This after Andrea Horwath announced she’s stepping away from the NDP leader position, while the party holds on to official Opposition status, and Steven Del Duca announced he is also resigning as the province’s Liberal leader.

Ruling out a run for head of the Ontario NDP on Tuesday was federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who said he looks forward to supporting whoever the party picks.

Liberal MPP John Fraser did not rule out a run for leadership, but told CityNews, “I’m not even thinking about that right now.”