Ministers without portfolio in Ontario, 1993–95

On February 3, 1993, Ontario Premier Bob Rae appointed six members of his governing caucus as ministers without portfolio. These ministers were not full members of cabinet, but provided policy assistance to specific cabinet ministers in certain fields. They were generally described as "junior ministers".

The only one of the original junior ministers to be given a specific job responsibility was Richard Allen, who oversaw international trade. The others did not have formally defined responsibilities. Some opposition politicians argued that these positions were unnecessary, as there were already several parliamentary assistants to members of cabinet.

The junior ministry positions were eliminated in 1995, by the incoming government of Mike Harris.

Minister responsible for Economic Development

Richard Allen held this position from February 3, 1993 to August 18, 1994, when he was appointed to a full cabinet position. His replacement was Bob Huget, who served until June 26, 1995.

Minister responsible for Finance

Brad Ward held this position from February 3, 1993 to June 26, 1995, providing assistance to Finance Minister Floyd Laughren. He was given responsibility for overseeing public pre-budgetary consultations in 1994.

Minister responsible for Culture, Tourism and Recreation

Shirley Coppen held this position from February 3, 1993 to October 21, 1994, when she was appointed to a full cabinet position. Her replacement was Irene Mathyssen, who served until June 26, 1995.

Minister responsible for Health

Karen Haslam held this position from February 3 to June 14, 1993, when she resigned to protest the Rae government's Social Contact legislation. Her replacement was Shelley Wark-Martyn, who served until June 26, 1995.

Minister responsible for Municipal Affairs

Allan Pilkey held this position from February 3, 1993 to June 26, 1995.

Minister responsible for Education and Training

Shelley Wark-Martyn held this position from February 3 until June 17, 1993, when she was re-assigned as Minister without portfolio responsible for Health. Her replacement was Mike Farnan, who served until his appointment to a full cabinet portfolio on October 21, 1994. Farnan, in turn, was replaced by Steve Owens, who served until June 26, 1995.

Other

Chief Government Whip Fred Wilson was also appointed as a minister without portfolio in February 1993, although the responsibilities associated with his position were of longer standing. He was not considered as a "junior minister".