Ontario Liberals have unveiled their shadow cabinet.
With only eight members, MPPs will handle two or more portfolios.
Interim leader John Fraser says they can be effective.
“It’s a lot of energy. People have a lot of energy. They’re passionate. We have a great team. They may only be eight of us, and I think we’ll surprise you,” says Fraser.
With so few members, Fraser named a Toronto doctor, Dr. Adil Shamji, as the party critic for Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs.
Kingston MPP Ted Hsu will be the critic for Energy, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.
Mitzie Hunter, one of few returning Liberals, will act as Deputy Leader and Education critic.
The Liberals continue to operate without official party status, which brings certain benefits and privileges in the Legislature.
They lost status following the 2018 election when they were reduced to seven members after holding power for fifteen years.
Legislation requires parties to have at least twelve seats to gain official party status.
It was changed from eight following the 2018 election by the Ford government.
Fraser says he won’t try to change the policy.
“But we are going to advocate for some resources so that we can be a more effective opposition on behalf of the 1.1 million people who voted for us,” says Fraser.
