Ministers without portfolio in Ontario, 1993–1995

On February 3, 1993, Ontario Premier Bob Rae appointed six ministers without portfolio in the Ontario government. These were not full members of the cabinet but rather provided policy assistance to cabinet ministers. They were generally described as "junior ministers."

The only one of the original six ministers without portfolio who was assigned a specific job responsibility was Richard Allen, who oversaw international trade. The others didn't define the responsibilities formally. Some opposition politicians argued that these positions were unnecessary and duplicated the responsibilities of parliamentary assistants.

The positions were eliminated in 1995 by the 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 promoted 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, assisting Finance Minister Floyd Laughren. In 1994, he was tasked with coordinating and overseeing the government’s public pre-budget consultations, a series of province-wide meetings designed to gather input from business leaders, labor representatives, and community organizations on spending priorities and taxation policy.

Ward’s involvement reflected the government’s effort to demonstrate openness and public engagement in budget formation, a relatively new approach at the time. He contributed to policy discussions related to deficit reduction, social program funding, and economic recovery strategies, complementing the broader fiscal direction established by Minister Laughren.

Minister responsible for Culture, Tourism, and Recreation

Shirley Coppen held this position from February 3, 1993, to October 21, 1994, when she was promoted 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 reassigned as Minister without portfolio responsible for Health. Her replacement was Mike Farnan, who served until his promotion 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 designated as a minister without portfolio in February 1993. His responsibilities were distinct from the other ministers without portfolio, and he was not considered a "junior minister."