Simcoe Grey MPP Jim Wilson’s responsibilities have changed a little as the new leader of the Ontario PC’s has unveiled his shadow cabinet at Queen’s Park.
Wilson will remain critic for Colleges and Universities, but not the critic for Apprenticeship and Training.
The Simcoe Grey MPP adds critic for Research and Innovation to his job list, though.
The Progressive Conservative MPP for Bruce Grey Owen Sound is keeping the same critic portfolio.
Bill Murdoch has been named the Rural and Northern Municipal Affairs Critic under new PC leader Tim Hudak.
Murdoch calls it a critical portfolio and says it will allow him to focus on issues that affect small rural and northern municipalities.
He says the Liberals and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing have a habit of introducing regulations and legislation without thinking about how it will affect smaller communities.
Murdoch says the Liberals seem to forget there is a world outside of the GTA.
Tim Hudak, who won the party’s top job last month, has also given new responsibilities to the people who ran against him.
Christine Elliott — who was third — will be the Deputy Party Leader and Health critic.
Second-place Frank Klees will provide the opposition voice on infrastructure and transportation issues.
Bob Runciman — who held the reins as interim leader after John Tory resigned in March — will be the new house leader.
Norm Miller — son of former premier Frank Miller — will take on the key role of finance critic while Peter Shurman will be critic for economic development and trade.
Lisa Macleod will be the revenue critic while former deputy leader Elizabeth Witmer becomes the education critic.