Ontario has a new agriculture minister following a cabinet shuffle announced by Premier Doug Ford on Thursday.
Sam Oosterhoff, the Niagara West MPP, becomes the province’s new Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness as Ford reshapes his cabinet amid escalating trade tensions with the U.S.
Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, who had been serving as agriculture minister since March 2025, now becomes the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Ford said the changes are intended to put Ontario “on long-term footing” as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to impose new tariffs and other trade measures affecting the provincial economy.
“Ontario won’t back down,” Ford said, adding that the province is preparing for a prolonged trade dispute while trying to strengthen domestic competitiveness and economic resilience.
The agriculture change comes at a sensitive time for Ontario farmers and agribusinesses, with the sector facing uncertainty surrounding cross-border trade, input costs, and access to U.S. markets.
Lisa Thompson, meanwhile, remains Minister of Rural Affairs.
Among other cabinet changes, the government created a new Associate Minister of Artificial Intelligence Adoption position, to be held by Vijay Thanigasalam.
Ford said the revamped cabinet will focus on attracting investment, accelerating major projects, cutting red tape and protecting Ontario businesses and workers from the effects of the trade war.
