(February 8 – 17:25 ET) – Premier Mike Harris has confirmed the appointment of Jim Flaherty as Ontario finance minister, as part of a major cabinet shuffle.

Flaherty replaces Ernie Eves, who resigned last week to quit politics and join Credit Suisse First Boston as an investment banker. Right-winger Flaherty is charged with continuing to lower taxes, remove barriers to growth, eliminate waste and make strategic, pro-growth investments.

He will also take on an expanded role of Deputy Premier, “making him responsible for helping to drive the government’s agenda”, and he will serve as vice chair of the Management Board of Cabinet. David Tsubouchi has been appointed as chair, “to oversee the province’s spending and to ensure that ministries stick to the government’s fiscal plan”.

Among other changes, Harris appointed Bob Runciman as Economic Development Minister, “to lead the government’s efforts to ensure that Ontario remains competitive within a constantly changing global economy”. He also announced that responsibility for the Red Tape Commission is also moving to this ministry.

“Ontario faces tremendous economic, social and demographic change in the 21st century. That’s why we need to redouble our efforts to ensure that Ontario keeps growing stronger,” Harris said.
-IE Staff