By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris Jr. has been appointed to Ontario Premier Doug Ford's cabinet as the minister of natural resources.
Harris was first elected in 2018 and was first appointed to cabinet in June 2024, when he was named the first-ever minister of red tape reduction. He won a third term in the riding of Kitchener-Conestoga in February's election.
Harris said sitting at the cabinet table is a phenomenal experience.
“To be able to do that as the minister of natural resources is a dream job and role for me. This is something that is true to my heart. It’s no secret I’m from northern Ontario and a big outdoorsman, and I have always been a conservationist.”
He added his father and former premier of Ontario, Mike Harris Sr., held the same post 40 years ago.
“In 1985, the year I was born. It was a short-lived tenure for him because that was the tail end of the Frank Miller government and there was an election a few months after he was named minister. It’s pretty neat to work in the office here in Toronto and see his picture on the wall and carry on that legacy.”
An issue at the forefront of the current federal election campaign is the looming US tariffs, something that has some politicians pushing natural-resource development. Harris expects a bigger focus on what he called non-traditional resources.
“When it comes to energy, critical minerals, looking at ways we are going to be negotiating with the US and of course, our number one goal is to protect Ontario to make sure we are keeping jobs here and keeping people afloat.”
He added it will be key to reinvest in critical industries and not just sit on the sidelines.
“There is definitely going to be a renewed focus at the ministry, and I am very happy to take on the task and work with our ministerial partners in the premier’s office and do the best we can to protect the critical sectors that exist within our ministry.”
Harris served as minister of red tape reduction in the last Conservative government, a far cry from his new responsibilities, but he also has experience with the resources file. He said despite the learning curve, he’s ready to get caught up.
“I’m sitting here right now in my Toronto office with two big binders sitting on the desk here that I am trying to get through. The benefit for me is being around the ministry for years. I was the parliamentary assistant and I had the benefit of having what you could call foundational briefings and getting up to speed on a lot of the key processes, industries and projects.”
He explained he would bring his red tape ministry lens to his new position, something he hopes will help natural resources become more efficient. When asked if his new ministry had a top priority, Harris again mentioned the importance of critical minerals.
“We need to figure out how to unlock the potential in Ontario to really bolster that industry. Not being able to rely on some trading partners right now is an issue and we want to make sure we are self-sufficient. Not only from an extraction perspective but also from a refining and end-use perspective.”
He added improving relations with trading partners is also on the government’s mind.
“We have a clean source of critical minerals here. We are usually talking about the US in these conversations, but Western Europe is also interested in what we are doing. Anytime there is talk about tariffs on lumber, it creates panic here and we want to make sure that industry is going to be one of the leading sectors, not only in Ontario but in Canada.”
Despite sitting around the cabinet table, Harris assured his constituents they would be served well by his office staff should they need help navigating anything government in the province.
“Kitchener-Conestoga is always my number-one priority. We have a great team in our Elmira office and I encourage people to reach out if they have challenges or issues, or if they want to know about something. We are always here for them.”
Harris has come under fire from some Wilmot residents and others in the riding over his government’s role in the plan to acquire 770 acres of farmland for a potential industrial mega site. He explained he is always open to talking to anyone in the riding about what’s on their mind.
“I am willing to hear from anybody and willing to work with anybody. A good idea is a good idea no matter where it comes from. We will continue to work with our partners in the riding, the region and across the province.”
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