Ontario’s finance minister, Greg Sorbara stepped aside last night, amid an ongoing RCMP investigation into Royal Group Technologies Ltd., a firm where he once sat on the board.

Nineteen months ago, when the Ontario Securities Commission was investigating Royal Group, Sorbara gave up his authority over the OSC, but kept his cabinet post.

In a statement Sorbara said, “Earlier today I became aware of a search warrant alleging that I was the subject of an RCMP investigation relating to a land transaction somewhere between 1996 and 2002.”

“While I have no idea as to what the allegations are or the facts on which they are based, my responsibility as a Minister of the Crown is to step aside pending a determination of the matters alleged in the warrant, he explained. “I am therefore stepping aside as Minister of Finance and Chair of Management Board of Cabinet pending a resolution of this issue.”

In Sorbara’s place, Dwight Duncan becomes minister of finance and chair of management board of cabinet. Duncan has served in cabinet as government house leader, chair of cabinet and minister of energy since October 2003. He has degrees in economics and commerce, as well as an MBA.

Donna Cansfield, formerly the parliamentary assistant to the minister of energy, joins cabinet as the minister of energy. And, Jim Bradley assumes responsibility of government house leader, while remaining minister of tourism and minister responsible for seniors.

Sorbara’s departure will undoubtedly cast a cloud over today’s Speech from the Throne.