In September 2009, the Government of Ontario removed the role of Forestry from its Ministry of Natural Resources and realigned the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines to include Forestry. The resulting Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry was described by the government as being an important realignment to “make the province more competitive, create jobs and strengthen our economy.”

Today the Government of Ontario reshuffled its cabinet, and changed its mind. Forestry has been moved back into the Ministry of Natural Resources. Re-elected Premier Dalton McGuinty said his new cabinet will “guide Ontario through an uncertain global economy by focusing on job creation and economic growth.”

Ontario northerners are pleased to see that the MPP for Thunder Bay – Superior North, Michael Gravelle, has been appointed as Minister of Natural Resources.