M.N.R. gets new minister in cabinet shuffle

M.N.R. gets new minister in cabinet shuffle
Brampton-Springdale M.P.P. Linda Jeffrey to lead revamped ministry

As part of the provincial cabinet shuffle announced Monday, Linda Jeffrey, M.P.P. for Brampton-Springdale, will take the helm as the new Minister of Natural Resources. "We welcome Minister Jeffrey to the post, and look forward to working with her on matters of mutual importance to her ministry and Ontario’s anglers and hunters," said Mike Reader, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.). "When it comes to the sound conservation management of our fish and wildlife, and respect for our heritage traditions, the Minister will have no greater ally than one of the province’s largest stakeholders, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters."

The appointment of a new minister is the third significant change at the Ministry of Natural Resources (M.N.R.) in recent months. Last fall, the ministry lost a good portion of its forestry responsibilities to Northern Mines and Development; and last week, the Deputy Minister announced a major organizational realignment.

The O.F.A.H. believes the minister is coming onboard during a particularly challenging period for the M.N.R., but recognizes that she is not new to the workings of government. Though this is her first time in the role of minister, Ms. Jeffrey has represented the Brampton-Springdale riding since 2003. She has served as a Parliamentary Assistant under several ministries including Transportation, and has chaired two Standing Committees.

Quick Facts:

• In September of 2009, much of the M.N.R.’s forestry portfolio was transferred to the Ministry of Northern Mines and Development.
• On January 12, 2010, the M.N.R. announced a major organizational restructuring plan, which saw the splitting of the Fish and Wildlife branch to two new divisions, Policy and Provincial Services.
• Anglers and hunters contribute tens of millions of dollars to fish and wildlife management through fees that are directed solely to the Special Purpose Account.

With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 660 member clubs, the O.F.A.H. is the largest nonprofit, charitable, fishing, hunting and conservation-based organization in Ontario, and the voice of anglers and hunters. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.

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