All three of the rookie Members of Provincial Parliament (MPP) from Windsor-Essex will have a role in Premier Doug Ford's second government.
With Ford swearing in his new caucus and cabinet members last week, most members of the Progressive Conservative caucus will have a function in the government. The three newly-elected Tories from Windsor-Tecumseh, Essex, and Chatham-Kent-Leamington will serve as parliamentary assistants (PA).
PAs are responsible for supporting ministers with legislative and committee matters, including special projects and assignments that require dedicated leadership, according to Ford's office. They also build relationships with stakeholders and opposition members, as well as communicate government initiatives across Ontario.
Andrew Dowie is the new MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh. The former Tecumseh town councillor will serve as a PA in the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, working with Minister Vic Fedeli.
Anthony Leardi is taking over representation for Essex. The former deputy mayor in Amherstburg will work with Greg Rickford, Minister of Mines.
Former Leamington councillor Trevor Jones is the new MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington. He will work as a PA for Minister Ernie Hardeman in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The lone incumbent MPP in the region to win re-election, the NDP's Lisa Gretzky of Windsor West, will continue to serve as the Official Opposition's critic for community and social services.