Conservative opposition leader Patrick Brown has given local MPPs new responsibilities in his recent announcement of a shadow cabinet.
The PC Caucus critic shuffle follows Brown’s election to the Ontario Legislature in a by-election on Sept. 3 in Simcoe North.
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece will now serve as official opposition critic for community and social services. In addition, he will retain his positions as seniors critic and critic responsible for the horse racing industry and as a member of the all-party standing committee on government agencies. He has also been asked to serve as Progressive Conservative caucus regional representative for southwestern Ontario.
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott has been appointed the new official opposition critic to the minister of labour.
In addition, Arnott will also continue to serve as a presiding officer – or assistant speaker – in the legislature. He had previously served as the critic to the minister of economic development, employment and infrastructure.
While Arnott stated in a press release he is honoured by the new appointment, he also indicated his first priority remains the people of Wellington-Halton Hills.
“I was sent here by the people of Wellington-Halton Hills, to be their voice in the Ontario Legislature. Their concerns will always be my number one priority,” he said.
Pettapiece offered similar sentiments in a separate press release.
“I’m very pleased that our new leader, Patrick Brown, has entrusted me with these files,” he stated. “However, this won’t change job number one: representing my constituents.”
As critic, Pettapiece said he plans to highlight the immediate need for developmental services funding, and work to ensure that families in Perth-Wellington and across the province have access to the support they need.
Pettapiece is also pleased to continue his focus on seniors.
“I have always advocated for seniors in Perth-Wellington, and over the last year, I have had the opportunity to support some of our local municipalities and organizations as they expand their programming for seniors,” said Pettapiece, who previously served as government and consumer services critic.
“We have a great team in the Ontario PC Caucus,” said Arnott. “This shuffle helps to renew and reinvigorate us, as we continue to stand up for Ontarians.”
Brown announced his shadow cabinet appointments on Sept. 11 at Queen’s Park.
