Catherine Fife to lead Marit Stiles’ Advisory Council on Tariff Response and Economic Security

QUEEN’S PARK – Ahead of the 44th Parliament, Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, has appointed MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo) to chair the Leader’s Advisory Council on Tariff Response and Economic Security.

Fife, the Shadow Minister for Economic Development and Trade, has been tasked with leading consultations with industry, labour, sector-specific experts and elected officials to help inform the Official Opposition’s work in the new provincial parliament. Fife will be taking a collaborative, solutions-first approach focused on realizing Ontario’s economic potential as our province faces unprecedented uncertainties.

“Ontario is at a crossroads and how we respond to this crisis will make or break the future of our province. Thousands of jobs and the economic future of our province is at risk. We cannot sit and wait for the storm to pass; we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work to make sure we can come out of this stronger – as a province and as a country.

“This moment is also an opportunity, the opportunity to reset and re-evaluate our province’s investment priorities. Our council’s focus will be to stabilize and build new export opportunities for Ontario’s industries through forward-looking strategies for procurement, research, innovation, and intellectual property that create economic growth and good jobs here at home.”

The Leader’s Advisory Council will include a core group of shadow ministers, with additional caucus members participating in meetings related to their regions, portfolios and professional experience.

Brian Topp, former Chief of Staff to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, and member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-US Relations, will join the Council to share his expertise and guidance.

Shadow Ministers appointed to the Leader’s Advisory Council on Tariff Response and Economic Security:

• Jessica Bell, Shadow Minister for Finance
• Jamie West, Shadow Minister for Labour, Shadow Minister for Energy and Mining
• Terence Kernaghan, Shadow Minister responsible for Small Business, Non-Profits and the Arts
• Jeff Burch, Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs with responsibility for Skilled Trades
• Peggy Sattler, Shadow Minister for Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security