Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy will become part of the Ministry of Health after being named a parliamentary assistant June 29.
Premier Doug Ford released a list of 43 parliamentary assistants, who support their respective ministers. Gallagher-Murphy is now the parliamentary assistant to the minister of health, Sylvia Jones.
“Parliamentary assistants support ministers with legislative and committee matters, including special projects and assignments that require dedicated leadership,” the provincial government said in a news release. “They also play a key role in building relationships and communicating government initiatives across the province.”
Murphy is stepping into the role after the riding’s previous MPP, Christine Elliott, served as minister of health. Gallagher-Murphy has spoken repeatedly about her passion for supporting the Southlake Regional Health Centre.
After getting sworn in as MPP, Gallagher-Murphy thanked the community this week for the honour.
"I’m humbled to serve you and be your voice at Queen’s Park," she said on social media. "Together, we’ll get it done."
In total, 73 of the 83 Conservative MPPs now have an added role as a minister or parliamentary assistant.
The Ontario NDP criticized the number of assistants, noting that the parliamentary assistant role comes with an annual pay bump of $16,666.
“It’s shocking that Doug Ford is inviting MPPs to climb aboard his gravy train two at a time,” Ontario NDP interim leader Peter Tabuns said in a news release.
The number of assistants is up, with Ford naming 26 when first elected in 2018.
