Vaughan-Woodbridge MPP Michael Tibollo demoted in cabinet shuffle

Tibollo dropped as community safety, corrections minister, goes to tourism, culture, sport

Yorkregion.com
November 6, 2018
Tim Kelly

Vaughan-Woodbridge MPP Michael Tibollo has been demoted in Premier Doug Ford's cabinet just four months into his political career.

Elected as part of the Progressive Conservative majority in June, Tibollo, who toppled high-profile Liberal Steven Del Duca, was dropped as minister of community safety and correctional services, a senior cabinet position.

He will take on the junior portfolio of tourism, culture and sport.

The provincial government announced the news this morning, among other changes to cabinet.

Tibollo's demotion comes after a recent Globe and Mail story revealed his law firm faces lawsuits and other legal wrangles. Tibollo, who was in charge of the OPP under his previous portfolio, came under criticism for campaigning with a municipal candidate who is under investigation by provincial police.

Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones takes the community safety role, part of a shuffle forced by longtime PC member Jim Wilson's resignation.

Wilson, who represents Simcoe-Grey and was economic development and trade minister, resigned suddenly, purportedly to deal with addiction issues, although Global News is reporting he is accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour. Wilson also left the PC caucus. His job will be assumed by House Leader Todd Smith, who represents Bay of Quinte.

Bill Walker, chief government whip and MPP for Bruce Grey-Owen Sound, will take Smith’s job as minister of government and consumer services.

Switching cabinet posts are Jeff Yurek (Elgin-Middlesex-London) and John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke). Yurek takes on transportation from Yakabuski, who will now be the natural resources minister.