Local MPPs take on new parliamentary assistant roles

The three Progressive Conservative MPPs in Waterloo region are taking on new parliamentary assistant roles.

Kitchener South-Hespeler MPP Amy Fee retains her role as parliamentary assistant to the minister of children, community and social services with a focus on children and autism. She will also now be the deputy house leader.

Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahaliosmoves from her role asparliamentary assistant to the minister of children, community and social services to becomeparliamentary assistant to the solicitor general with a focus on correctional services.

Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris will get a new role asparliamentary assistant to the minister of natural resources and forestry.

In a release, Harris called his new role "a tremendous honour."

"As an outdoors enthusiast and having spent many years living in rural Ontario, I am looking forward to my role in promoting Ontario's great outdoor recreational activities while being a steward for the environment," he said.

The new roles were announced Wednesday, about a week after Premier Doug Ford shuffled his cabinet.

Parliamentary assistants help ministers with legislative and committee issues.