North Bay MPP Monique Smith has been tapped as the new Minister of Tourism in a Sept. 19 cabinet shuffle. She replaces Peter Fonseca who moves over to labour.
"Tourism is an important economic driver for our region and the whole province. I know it has tremendous potential for growth."
Smith is collaborating with Vaughan MPP Greg Sorbara who is working on a competitiveness study for the tourism industry. The government is holding a series of consultations sessions this month in 10 cities, including Sudbury and Kenora.
As part of the shuffle, Michael Bryant moves from aboriginal affairs to economic development. Brad Duguid shifts over from labour to replace Bryant.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy in Thunder Bay was "shocked" to learn of the ministerial switch, calling it a "serious setback" in their relationship with aboriginal affairs in dealing with land use planning and Mining Act revisions. Beardy said he hopes Duguid will help solve problems faced by First Nations communities in Nishnawbe Aski and across the province.
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