Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade, has been named to the new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee.
It will focus on getting businesses up and running and people back to work after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
Fedeli is one of a dozen cabinet ministers on the committee.
"While the government's primary focus is on combatting the virus, supporting frontline health-care workers and providing immediate relief to people and businesses, this new committee will be developing a plan to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the weeks and months ahead," according to an April 9 provincial government news release.
"My heart goes out to those individuals and families who have been out of work, or whose business has closed through no fault of their own," said Premier Ford.
"I can assure each person affected by this crisis that we will do everything we can to support you, and get you back on the job as soon as possible. While our government battles this virus, members of our new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee will roll up their sleeves and develop a roadmap to a stronger, more prosperous economy."
The committee will be consulting with a wide variety of people to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the provincial economy and develop an action plan to move forward, including business associations, chambers of commerce, municipal leaders, corporate leaders, small business owners, and entrepreneurs.
"Our government is pulling out all the stops to support our job creators and workers today, during this very difficult time," said Fedeli. "But it is incumbent upon us to look ahead and map out a plan that considers life after COVID-19, a plan that will guide us into a future filled with hope, new employment opportunities, and steady economic growth."
Other members of the committee include:
• Rod Phillips (chair), minister of finance
• Peter Bethlenfalvy, president of the Treasury Board
• Caroline Mulroney, minister of transportation
• Christine Elliott, deputy premier and minister of health
• Ernie Hardeman, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs
• Greg Rickford, minister of energy, northern development and mines, and minister of Indigenous affairs
• John Yakabuski, minister of natural resources and forestry
• Laurie Scott, minister of infrastructure
• Lisa MacLeod, minister of heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries
• Lisa Thompson, minister of government and consumer services
• Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, training and skills development
• Prabmeet Sarkaria, associate minister of small business and red tape reduction
