Several Ontario parliamentary assistants are getting new assignments to help deliver on the government’s Open Ontario Plan, with a focus on education, the economy and health care.

Parliamentary assistants work with ministers to ensure government objectives are met as policies are implemented. They regularly represent ministries during legislative debates and are often responsible for special projects.

The Premier made the following changes to parliamentary assistant portfolios:

• Wayne Arthurs becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

• Bas Balkissoon becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community and Social Services

• Rick Johnson becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure

• Dr. Kuldip Singh Kular becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

• Jean-Marc Lalonde becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health Promotion and Sport

• Dave Levac becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy

• Amrit Mangat becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation

• Phil McNeely becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

• Yasir Naqvi becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education

• Leeanna Pendergast becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance

• Maria C.J. Van Bommel becomes Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs