Sept. 10, 2026, Ontario — Doug Ford, premier of Ontario, has unveiled changes to his cabinet today, including introducing a new position of associate minister of artificial intelligence adoption. “President Trump is once again taking aim at Ontario’s economy with his latest round of tariffs and anti-trade measures,” Ford said in a media release. “Ontario won’t back down. We’re preparing for the long haul, and that means putting the right team in place to protect Ontario workers and jobs today while building the most competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7 that can withstand whatever challenges come our way.” The new associate minister, Vijay Thanigasalam, operates as part of the ministry of economic development, job creation and trade, headed by Vic Fedeli. The associate minister will focus on putting Ontario’s research, talent and innovation to work, helping businesses and industries adopt new technologies, boost productivity and prepare workers for the jobs of the future, including by supporting workers displaced by AI adoption. Thanigasalam currently serves as associate minister of mental health and addictions and has represented the Scarborough—Rouge Park since 2018. David Piccini, formerly the minister of labour, training and skills development, will now assume the role of minister of infrastructure.