Piccini take on new role in Doug Ford’s Cabinet

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By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini has a new job at Queen’s Park.

Premier Doug Ford assigned him the infrastructure portfolio Thursday.

Piccini, the former Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is under investigation by the Integrity Commissioner, after a report by the Auditor General of Ontario raised concerns about Piccini’s handling of the $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund.

Despite this investigation, Ford is showing confidence in Piccini’s ability to remain in Cabinet, praising him for his work in the Labour and Skills Training portfolio.

“I think it's a natural move. He trained over the last two years close to about 750,000 people now. It's a natural move to go into infrastructure, as we have about $235 billion in infrastructure,” Ford said.

The Premier explained that “fresh blood,” and a new outlook for the province is needed as his government addresses the trade war with the United States and President Trump’s tariffs.

Ford made several other Cabinet changes yesterday.