MPP Arnott adds Research and Innovation to his critic responsibilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Queen’s Park) – Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott has been named the new PC Critic to the Minister of Research and Innovation. This new role comes in addition to his current job as the PC Critic to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Hon. Kathleen Wynne.

Mr. Arnott looks forward to his new, expanded responsibilities.

“Most observers would see the Research and Innovation Ministry as a key economic portfolio,” Mr. Arnott said. “Today’s innovations can become economic game changers. If we succeed in research and innovation, the economy will benefit, which means more jobs today and for the next generation. It also means more government revenues to pay down the debt and to fund the important programs that we all value.”

Mr. Arnott has already reached out to Ministry of Research and Innovation staff.

“Earlier this afternoon, we contacted the Ministry to request a full ministerial briefing,” Mr. Arnott noted. “I want to be a constructive critic and help promote the importance of research and innovation to Ontario’s economic success. However, as a member of the opposition, I also have a duty and a responsibility to hold the Government to account.”

In accepting the new duties, Mr. Arnott acknowledged the work of the previous Innovation Critic, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton, and thanked his party’s leader, Tim Hudak, for the opportunity.

“Monte has done good work in promoting economic development and innovation in our province,” said Mr. Arnott. “I also want to thank Tim Hudak for the confidence he has shown in me by giving me this new responsibility.”

In addition to these critic appointments, Mr. Arnott continues to serve the Legislature as one of the assistant Speakers. He is the First Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole House.

However, Mr. Arnott reiterated that, as always, Wellington-Halton Hills remains his number one priority.

“No matter what my role at Queen’s Park has been, I have always put the interests and concerns of the people of my riding first,” Mr. Arnott concluded. “That will never change.”

Mr. Arnott was first elected to the Legislature in 1990 and has been re-elected ever since.

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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org