Cabinet Committees

Cabinet Committees

Cabinet committees are very important in the provincial legislative and policy process. In previous governments, only ministers were members of these powerful committees. Under the current government, members of provincial parliament (MPPs) who are not ministers have been appointed to sit on cabinet committees and, in many cases, serve as chair. The committees provide recommendations to the cabinet. The final decisions are made by the minister and cabinet.

Health, Education and Social Policy

This committee reviews and makes recommendations to the cabinet on policies and programs related to health, education and social services. The committee also provides a coordinating role, encouraging cooperation among various ministries, and its members may consult with stakeholders.

The Premier’s website explains the mandate of the Health Education and Social Policy committee as follows:

Ontarians often measure progress by how we treat those who have fallen behind or fallen ill, how we welcome newcomers, and how we educate our next generation.

Improving the health, knowledge and skills of our people is the best way for Ontario to compete globally.

Members of this committee will help the government ensure that Ontario capitalizes on the knowledge, skills and diversity of its people. They will also help the government plan for the needs of an aging population and explore opportunities to help Ontarians enjoy  longer, healthier lives.

For more information on who controls the future of healthcare in Ontario, please refer to the website of the Office of the Premier. It provides lists of:

• all of the cabinet committees, including brief descriptions and members;
• the cabinet ministers, including biographies, and ministries; and
• the parliamentary assistants.