Statement by Premier Doug Ford as Minister Sylvia Jones is Sworn in as the Solicitor General

TORONTO — Premier Doug Ford issued the following statement today:

“Our police, corrections staff, firefighters and other front-line heroes have a proud history in Ontario. By returning to the title of Solicitor General, which was used until 2002, we’re honouring that history.

Ensuring the security of the people remains a fundamental priority of our government. Solicitor General Sylvia Jones has done an outstanding job leading this work, by fixing the province’s broken police legislation, improving support for our front-line heroes and ensuring our focus is on supporting victims and protecting innocent people from crime.

Yesterday Solicitor General Jones and I attended a graduation ceremony and march-past at the Ontario Police College. These enthusiastic, optimistic graduates don’t just represent the future of policing — they will be quite literally on the front-lines of our work to keep the people of Ontario secure. Our government will continue to support them, and the many other heroes across the province — including firefighters and correctional staff — who keep us safe.”

BACKGROUND

• The title of Solicitor General was in use in Ontario for many years prior to 2002.
• The Solicitor General and the Ministry of the Solicitor General were traditionally responsible for activities related to law enforcement, the supervision of policing services across Ontario and other activities related to community safety.
• The mandate and focus of the ministry are unchanged. The Solicitor General will continue to be responsible for all of the activities that were carried out through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, including oversight of police services across Ontario, public safety and security, and the administration of provincial adult correctional facilities.