PC cabinet could include strong Ottawa-area contingent

As premier-designate Doug Ford looks to start building his cabinet following Thursday's resounding election victory, his pool of candidates is likely to include both political veterans and arising starfrom the Ottawa area.

Among the list of contenders areLisa MacLeod,re-elected in Nepean,the riding she's represented for more than a decade, and longtimeMPPand formerBrockvillemayor Steve Clark, who maintained his hold onLeedsGrenvilleThousandIslands and Rideau Lakes.

Ottawa is going to be very important.- Kate Harrison, PC strategist

There are also some new faces among the likely picks, includingformer family physician and health advocateMerrilee Fullerton, electedin the redrawn riding ofKanataCarleton, andGoldie Ghamari, an international trade and business lawyerwho took the new riding Carleton.

In Ottawa WestNepean,Jeremy Roberts won in a tight contest, narrowly defeating his NDPrival by roughly 200 votes. Another newcomer,Amanda Simard,was elected in GlengarryPrescott Russell.

• Randy Hillier re-elected in LanarkFrontenacKingston
• John Yakabuski re-elected in RenfrewNipissingPembroke

"I think that the Ottawa area will hopefully be rewarded with a couple key cabinet ministers," said PC strategistKate Harrison of Summa Strategies.

"It's a big symbolic win for the PCsto pick up in the Ottawa area, which has traditionally been very much a Liberal foothold," Harrison said. "Ottawa is going to be very important."

MacLeoda 'top contender'

PC veteran Lisa MacLeod is a "top contender" for cabinet,Harrisonsaid.MacLeodappeared beside Ford at many campaign events and has proven herself as both a party stalwart and strong advocate for the Ottawa area, she said.

"She's going to have a major influence, particularly in advocating for issues in eastern Ontario."

MacLeodremained humble on CBC'sOttawa Morninghours after her re-election, however.

"I'll let Doug Ford and the transition team determine who their government is. I'm just really really proud to be here today.... I'll be a strong voice for this entire city at Queen's Park.

During her last termMacLeodopened up about her battle with depression. Herre-election"was really important to me," she said.

She promised to work with Ottawacity councillorson issues such as the city'sresponse to the ongoing opioid crisis, and promised to help getLRTup and running, along with other infrastructure projectsincluding schools.

PC Lisa MacLeod says she's "very happy to be Ottawa's champion at Queen's Park"

6 years ago

Duration 0:51

PC Lisa MacLeod says she's "very happy to be Ottawa's champion at Queen's Park"

Steve Clark another top pick

Another possible pick for Ford's cabinet is former Brockvillemayor Steve Clark. Clark was elected mayor at 22, making him Canada's youngest mayor at the time. After his election to Queen's Park in 2010, Clark was named deputy opposition house leader.

"Steve Clark has always been a very process-driven, thorough person, and that's the kind of people you need around the cabinet table," Harrison said.

Merrilee Fullerton may also be considered, but Harrison said the MPP-elect for KanataCarleton won't necessarily see it as a snub if she's overlooked.

"She's certainly a rising star in the PC Party," Harrison said.

Chances for MPPsmay be limited because Ford has promised an efficient government, and his cabinet will likely reflect that principle.

Whatever its size, Ford's new cabinet will almost certainly include a number of veterans, Harrison said.

"It's not a great idea to send a bunch of brand newMPPsout as your cabinet ministers. There does have to be a mix."

Ford is expected to introduce his new cabinet before Canada Day.