Moridi assumes research and education portfolios in new Ontario Cabinet

Dr Reza Moridi, Ontario's minister of Research and Innovation is adding minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to his responsibilities as part of premier Kathleen Wynne's new Cabinet, unveiled June 24. Moridi's dual responsibilities give the MPP control over a large section of the province's research and innovation portfolio.

Brad Duguid previously held the Training, Colleges and Universities portfolio until the June 12 election and retains his position as minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.

Moridi has held progressive seniors positions in the Ontario government since his election in 2007, including Parliamentary assistant to the minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and minister of Energy. A nuclear scientist by training, he spent 17 years at the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada where he was VP and chief scientist.

Moridi holds a PhD from Brunel Univ and is a chartered engineer and Chartered physicist. Prior to moving to Canada, he was dean of the school of sciences, chair of the physics department, and member of the senate at Alzahra Univ in Tehran.