Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne appointed Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault Minister of Energy in a cabinet shuffle on June 13. Mr. Thibeault was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2015 as the MPP for Sudbury. He was previously Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, focusing on Climate Change. Before entering provincial politics, Thibeault was the Member of Parliament for Sudbury.
The Premier’s Office notes that “He is a strong advocate for supports for persons with developmental disabilities, and for quality services for families struggling with autism. Thibeault is also a champion for greater retirement security, enhanced consumer protection measures and significant investment in the Ring of Fire. As a director with the United Way, he led many successful campaigns in support of community development. He has also been a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as with minor hockey and football leagues.”
Counsel Public Affairs noted that Mr. Thibeault is regarded as a strong political communicator who will be “responsible for explaining and promoting the benefits of key energy policies, including the Hydro One sale.”
The shuffle brought several new people to the Ontario cabinet, including Mr. Thibeault. The change of energy minister was the most senior of the positions affected by the cabinet shuffle. Thibeault was born and raised in Sudbury, and is a graduate of Cambrian College. He lives in Sudbury with his wife, Yolanda, and their two daughters. The previous Minister of Energy, Bob Chiarelli, was appointed Minister of Infrastructure during the same cabinet shuffle.