Jim Flaherty

Jim Flaherty has been appointed minister of the newly minted Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation (MEOI), replacing Jim Wilson who will head up the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. The new ministry responsible for S&T and innovation replaces the Ministry of Energy, Science and Innovation (MEST) which was created in 1997. MEOI combines the S&T and innovation components of MEST with the functions of the old Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the precursor to MEST. Prior to the new appointment, Flaherty was Ontario’s Finance minister and a strong right-wing contender in the recent leadership race to replace Mike Harris as premier. The race was won by Ernie Eves, who was sworn in on the day the new Cabinet was named. The Finance portfolio was handed to Janet Ecker, former minister of Education. The Education ministry is now headed up by Elizabeth Witmer, who was also appointed deputy premier. Working with Flaherty MEOI will be David Turnbull, who was appointed associate minister ….