York Region now has another minister in the provincial government as Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill MPP Michael Parsa has been named minister of children, community and social services.
The second-term MPP will be stepping into the role vacated last week by MPP Merrilee Fullerton. He will shift from his prior position as associate minister of housing.
Parsa said he is honoured to be appointed.
“I want to thank Premier Doug Ford for trusting me with this new file,” he said in a statement on social media. “I look forward to continuing to serve the great people of this province.”
The move comes after Fullerton tendered her resignation March 24 from both her role as minister and Kanata-Cartleton MPP. The letter did not identify a specific reason for the resignation.
“Merrilee has been a key member of our team since day one, advancing our government’s agenda,” Ford said in a news release.“I wish my friend the very best as she retires from the world of politics.”
He added that he is thrilled to be appointing Parsa and said he has made many contributions to the government.
“Michael will work day and night to support our children and build strong and vibrant communities.”
In Parsa’s place, Mississauga-Streetsville MPP Nina Tangri will become associate minister of housing.
Other York Region ministers include King-Vaughan MPP Stephen Lecce as minister of education, York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney as minister of transportation and minister of francophone affairs, and Markham-Stouffville MPP Paul Calandra as the minister of long-term care and minister of legislative affairs.
